According to experts, individuals who exhibit stalker-like behavior often experience social isolation, psychiatric disorder, and low self-esteem. Universiti Sains Malaysia’s criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy stated that some stalkers struggle with erotomania, a delusional disorder where the stalker believes someone is deeply in love with them, leading to obsessive and unwarranted attention.
Dr Sundramoorthy added that factors contributing to erotomania or the development of the disorder vary among individual stalkers, but mental health professionals can assess and diagnose individuals with this disorder.
Dr Anasuya Jegathevi Jegathesan, the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences at University of Cyberjaya, pointed out that erotomania is a form of delusional thinking where a stalker may believe someone rich, powerful, or famous is in love with them. She emphasized that some stalkers with schizophrenia have a history of violence and can be dangerous.
Additionally, Dr Anasuya highlighted the blurring of lines between fantasy and reality, particularly when someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. She stated that when a fan starts believing there is a personal relationship with their idols, it may become a mental health disorder.
Speaking on sexual harassment, Dr Anasuya noted that it is commonly perpetrated by individuals in positions of power who can offer rewards in exchange for favors from the victims. She emphasized that this power play in the workplace often leads victims to feel unable to speak out due to the perpetrators’ superior status and the victims’ belief that they encouraged the behavior.
Dr Anasuya added that the perpetrators typically feel confident in their job security due to their seniority and position within the organization.
