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The Dark Side of Relationship Pursuit

From Attraction to Obsession and Stalking, 2nd Edition

By William R. Cupach, Brian H. Spitzberg

To Be Published August 1st 2013 by Routledge – 352 pages

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    Description

    Authors William R. Cupach and Brian H. Spitzberg synthesize the expanding multidisciplinary base of knowledge about obsessive relational intrusion (ORI) and stalking, presenting a comprehensive scholarly consideration of these behaviors. Their inclusive approach is reflected in the breadth of research represented, including social, clinical and forensic psychology, psychiatry, counseling, communication, criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, social work, threat assessment and management, and family studies. The work also draws upon the multidisciplinary scholarship on social and personal relationships. The chapters in this volume:

    • provide historical and definitional frames for studying unwanted relationship pursuit, and consider the role of such sources as the media, law, and social science research in shaping the contemporary multifaceted and multifarious conceptualizations of stalking;

    • elaborate the authors' assumption that much unwanted relationship pursuit owes to complications inherent in the processes of constructing and dismantling relationships, examine the factors that conspire to create slippage between two persons' conceptions of their "shared" relationship, and explore the cultural practices associated with relationship dissolution that tend to reinforce persistence in unwanted pursuit;

    • chart the topography of unwanted pursuit, offering a unique and comprehensive synthesis of relevant research bearing on several issues, and a review of the temporal stages and characteristics of stalking;

    • consider promising theories and variables for explaining the occurrence of unwanted pursuit; and

    • discuss the issues pertinent to threat assessment, managing unwanted pursuit and offering a comprehensive typology of victim consequences of pursuit.

    The volume concludes with thoughts about "correcting courtship." Drawing on the interpersonal competence literature, Cupach and Spitzberg speculate on ways in which enhancing relationship management skills could help diminish the incidence and debilitating consequences of ORI and stalking.

    Reviews

    "…this work offers an outstanding summary and overview of relationship formation and provides constructive information regarding unwanted pursuit. The authors integrate information and research from a variety of disciplines, including psychology, criminal justice, sociology, and social work to help expand on the knowledge base currently available."

    —PsycINFO

    "…provides a thorough context for understanding and treating stalking behavior, including a focus on both victim and perpetrator."

    —Psychotherapy

    "In this book, Cupach and Spitzer provide the reader with a multidisciplinary framework for understanding the nature and impact of unwanted relationship pursuits. This book is an excellent resource for students and professionals alike who seek to gain knowledge about unwanted relational pursuits and stalking."

    —Journal of Couple & Relationship

    Contents

    Contents: Preface. The Evolution of Relationship Intimacy and Intrusion. The Pursuit of Ordinary Relationships. The Topography of Unwanted Pursuit. Explaining Unwanted Pursuit. Managing Unwanted Pursuit. Appendices: Short-Form Measures of Obsessive Relational Intrusion and Coping. Primary Studies Included in Research Summary. Raw Items for the Unwanted Pursuit Motivation Typology. Coded Stalking and Unwanted Pursuit Tactics. Measure of Symptoms Due to ORI and Stalking. Prevalence of Symptoms Across 35 Studies of Stalking and ORI Victimization. Typology of Stalking and Unwanted Pursuit Coping Strategies and Tactics.

    Name: The Dark Side of Relationship Pursuit: From Attraction to Obsession and Stalking, 2nd Edition (Paperback) – Routledge 
    Description: By William R. Cupach, Brian H. Spitzberg. Authors William R. Cupach and Brian H. Spitzberg synthesize the expanding multidisciplinary base of knowledge about obsessive relational intrusion (ORI) and stalking, presenting a comprehensive scholarly consideration of these behaviors. Their inclusive...
    Categories: Social Psychology, Interpersonal Communication, Interpersonal Processes & Communication, Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology - Adult