Cyberstalking and Mental Health: Advancing SDG 3 Through Prevention and Support

Cyberstalking is a common form of digital harassment. The growing trend of cyberstalking poses a threat to mental health and well-being, and it undermines the realization of the sustainable development goal to "ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all" (SDG 3). This paper examines the psychological consequences of cyberstalking, taking into account the effectiveness of prevention and protection activities available on the Internet in order to mitigate these consequences. We used a mixed-methods approach that includes a systematic review of 50 peer-reviewed articles, data from 1,000 survey respondents, and in-depth interviews from 30 cyberstalking survivors and 20 mental health professionals. Our findings show that victims have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and 68% report that overall quality of life has dropped. Key risk factors and patterns of cyberstalking behavior were identified and framed the development of the new prevention framework. In addition, our study demonstrates the significant influence that early intervention and individualized support services may exert on the long-term psychologic effects of cyberstalking. Based on this evidence, we propose an integrated model of general cyberstalking prevention and mental health support based on technological measures, legal approaches, and psychological interventions. This multi-faceted approach will have the potential to significantly add to the success of SDG 3, through support towards that goal by addressing the growing threat of cyber stalking to mental health in the digital age.