Thesis Type: Postgraduate
Institution Of The Thesis: Middle East Technical University, Graduate School of Social Sciences, Turkey
Approval Date: 2019
Thesis Language: English
Student: DEMET BAŞAR
Supervisor: Nuray Sakallı Uğurlu
Abstract:As a relatively new concept in the literature, stalking can be described as an unwanted and repeated behavior directed toward a specific individual. Stalking has not been studied in social psychological perspective in Turkish sample. The aim of this thesis is to examine attitudes towards different forms of stalking (which can be classified into three forms: ex-partner stalking, acquaintance stalking and stranger stalking) in Turkey where can be accepted a sexist and honor endorsing culture; and to explore the associations among attitudes towards stalking, gender, ambivalent sexism, gender-based violence attitudes and honor endorsement. Sample consisted of 453 participants (291 females and 162 males). Participants filled semantic differential scales for attitudes towards ex-partner, acquaintance and stranger stalking; Ambivalent Sexism Inventory; Honor Endorsement Index; Intimate Partner Violence Attitude Scale and demographics. Results showed that (1) hostile sexism mediated the relationship between honor endorsement and attitudes towards stalking, gender-based violence attitudes mediated the relationship between honor endorsement and attitudes towards stalking, hostile sexism and gender-based violence attitudes sequentially mediated the relationship between honor endorsement and attitudes towards stalking, benevolent sexism and gender-based violence attitudes sequentially mediated the relationship between honor endorsement and attitudes towards stalking. (2) Acquaintance stalking was found as less negative among ex-partner and stranger stalking, and also men showed more positive attitudes in all types of stalking. (3) In terms of stalking experiences, women were found to be subjected to stalking more than men. Results were discussed; and contributions to the literature, limitations and future directions were given based on the literature.