Preliminary Construction and Validation of the Stalking Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) in a Sample of Male University Students

Background: Stalking is a well-established and studied crime in the forensic field. Nevertheless, research on the psychological aspects of stalking behaviors remains limited due to the lack of specific assessment tools. This two-phase research project aims to propose and validate a new instrument - the Stalking Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) - to identify the possible latent psychological dimensions characterizing early stalking tendencies. Methods: During the first phase of questionnaire development, a thematic focus group comprising five psychologists generated 55 items. These items underwent preliminary screening with a sample of 85 students to assess clarity and redundancy; this process addressed semantic issues and resulted in a revised 48-item version. In the second validation phase (Study 1), the 48-item SAQ was administered to a sample of 349 male students whose demographic profiles matched those typically associated with potential stalkers; following this, 15 items were retained. In Study 2, the 15-item SAQ was cross-validated on an independent sample of 380 male students. To assess its validity, correlations were analyzed with a battery of personality inventories, including the LSRP, ECR-R, AQ, PESES, SRSS, RelRQ, ASI-S, and BIDR-6. Results: Following item and factor analyses, a model comprising two latent factors—Insistence (SAQ-INS) and Exaggerated Jealousy (SAQ-EXJ)—and 15 indicators emerged. Internal consistency was robust, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.87. In Study 2, as hypothesized, SAQ-EXJ correlated positively with anger and hostility (AQ) and with antisocial and impulsive traits (LSRP-F2), although these associations were modest (r = 0.30). Among the significant Pearson’s correlations, three were found to be substantial (r > 0.50): specifically, those between the SAQ and anxious attachment style (ECR-Ranx), relational rumination (RelRQ), and sexism (ASI-S). Conclusions: In conclusion, the final SAQ structure revealed two primary factors—Insistence and Exaggerated Jealousy—that account for stalking as a continuous construct. These factors demonstrated significant associations with several critical personality traits. The final questionnaire comprises 24 items, including nine fillers; consequently, it is efficient to administer and suitable for both research and psycho-educational interventions among adolescents and other potentially vulnerable populations.