Perceived Severity of Stalking Behavior and Blame Attributions among Malaysians: The Influence of Prior Relationship, Belief in a Just World, and Dark Tetrad Personality Traits

The ‘just world hypothesis’ is often used to explain victim blame attribution in assault cases, while dark personality traits are known predict victim-blaming attitudes sexual harassment situations, but little work has empirically tested these hypotheses within the context of stalking perpetration. Research investigating perceptions toward also scarce Asia region. This study examined whether prior relationship between perpetrator and victim, just beliefs, Dark Tetrad influence judgments severity behavior responsibility a country that does not currently have anti-stalking legislation. Three hundred thirty university students general community members Malaysia read fictional scenario which was depicted as stranger, acquaintance, or ex-partner. Participants evaluated perpetrator’s constitutes stalking, requires police intervention, would cause alarm, personal distress, fear use violence, can be attributed victim’s behavior. There were significant differences perpetrator-target conditions on stalking. Just Machiavellianism, narcissism positively associated with perceived responsibility, each trait had differential associations behavior, albeit small effect sizes. Further regression analyses revealed belief consistent predictor responsibility. Findings confirm individual observer’s internal external factors how perceived, implications for victims legal system.