The dark side of relationship pursuit: From attraction to obsession and stalking - by William R. Cupach & Brian H. Spitzberg

Abstract

In 1994, Cupach and Spitzberg called interpersonal communication researchers to account for the dark side of relational life, which they conceptualize as “the slimy, seamy underbelly of human interaction, such that it may be” (1994, pp. 315–316). This line of inquiry advanced with an additional volume examining the dark side of close relationships (Spitzberg & Cupach, 1998). Cupach and Spitzberg’s (2004) recent book on stalking behavior continues this provocative investigation of the dark side of interpersonal communication. In the preface, the authors note that most current stalking research arises from several different social science disciplines, and thus, overarching theories of stalking are rare. Although the authors first aim to provide an overview of this multidisciplinary field of research, they also encourage researchers to move beyond descriptive reports to robust theories of stalking behavior. After reviewing their text, I believe the authors have fulfilled both of these goals. Specifically, the authors’ presentation of multiple typologies related to stalking behavior comprehensively summarizes extant stalking research, yet simultaneously stimulates the reader’s appetite for integrating theory.