Factors can vary with each stalker, say experts

PETALING JAYA: Social isolation, psychiatric disorder and a low self-esteem are among the common traits of a stalker, according to experts.

Some of them have issues with erotomania, according to Universiti Sains Malaysia centre for policy research criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy.

“Erotomanis is a delusional disorder where the stalker believes that someone is deeply in love with them.

“This results in obsessive, unwarranted attention, that can lead to stalking,” he told The Star when contacted.

“Factors can vary with each stalker. The above factors do not necessarily contribute to erotomania or development of this disorder.”

However, he added that mental health professionals could assess and diagnose individuals with this disorder.

Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences at University of Cyberjaya Dr Anasuya Jegathevi Jegathesan pointed out that erotomania is a form of delusional thinking.

“They may think that someone rich, powerful or famous is in love with them, so they believe the other person is really in love with them.

“Their stalking behaviour is to bring them together. Some stalkers with schizophrenia have a history of violence and they can be dangerous,” she said.

Dr Anasuya added that the lines between fantasy and reality is blur when someone is drunk or has taken drugs.

“When a fan talks to their idols, there is some form of two-way communication, but when the fan starts believing there is a personal relationship, then it becomes a mental health disorder,” she said.

On sexual harassment, Dr Anasuya said it is mostly committed by those in a position of power and who can offer reward in terms of favours wanted by the victims.

“This is a common reality in the workplace involving a power play offering rewards which come at a price.

“This also why victims of sexual harassment are usually unable to speak out because those who harass them are also their superiors.

“They are also made to feel that they were the ones who encouraged such behaviour,” she said.

She added usually, the perpetrators are confident they would not lose their jobs because of their seniority and position in an establishment.