Evaluating Concerning Behavior of Fixated Individuals

Abstract

Fixated individuals who send repeated concerning communications to public figures pose a significant challenge, particularly when such communications escalate to approach or violence. The present study examined associations between three sources of threat assessment information-motivational type, structured professional judgment (CTAP-25), and automated linguistic analysis-and concerning behavior in a sample of fixated individuals (n = 117). Levels of concerning behavior constituted merely communicating, traveling toward the target, or approaching them. Motivational type was significantly associated with concerning behavior, with contact-seeking individuals more likely to travel or approach the target compared to aggrieved individuals. With the exception of evidence of displacement, neither individual CTAP-25 items nor the overall level of concern was associated with concerning behavior. Linguistic measures based on the Grievance Dictionary showed no significant associations, suggesting that language use alone may not constitute a reliable cue for future concerning behavior. Further implications for practice are discussed.