Gender Differences in Stalking Victimization and Coping Strategies: An Application of Gendered General Strain Theory

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This study examines gender differences in the emotional and coping pathways linking stalking victimization to legitimate coping strategies using a gendered general strain theory framework. Using the 2016 Supplemental Victimization Survey, stalking victimization was measured across physical and cyber domains. Forty-eight Poisson-based regression models tested direct and indirect associations of stalking with coping strategies (legal action, behavioral change, social support seeking) through negative emotions (anger, depression, fear), separately for women and men. Women showed broader emotional pathways to coping, while men’s pathways were more selective, driven primarily by anger and fear. Findings support gender-responsive stalking interventions.