Occupational Effects of Stalking

Abstract

Objective: This case report and discussion describe the psychiatric and social consequences of being a stalking victim, with particular focus on its impact on the victim's occupation. Method: Data were gathered from the assessment and arbitration hearing of a female employee who lost her job while being stalked. Computerized literature searches were used to identify relevant papers from psychiatric and legal journals. Results: This case illustrates many of the common features of stalking. The female victim was harassed by a male after a failed intimate relationship. The victim suffered from depression, anxiety, guilt, shame, helplessness, humiliation, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The stalking affected her psychological, interpersonal, and occupational functioning. Consequently, she was fired for poor work performance and poor attendance. Conclusion: Stalking may affect a victim's ability to work in several ways. The criminal behaviours often interfere directly with work attendance or productivity and result in the workplace becoming an unsafe location. Further, stalking may indirectly affect a person's ability to work through the many adverse emotional consequences suffered.