Comparison of shoplifting behaviours in patients with eating disorders, psychiatric control subjects, and undergraduate control subjects.
Shoplifting behaviours were examined in an eating disorder group (EDG, n = 48), a psychiatric control group (PCG, n = 46), and an undergraduate control group (UCG, n = 82). They were examined in relation to self-esteem, depression, and eating disorder symptomatology. The 3 groups did not differ in overall history of shoplifting, but EDG women were more likely to have shoplifted in the past 6 months (current shoplifting) and to have shoplifted often than were women from the PCG or UCG. Across all 3 groups, current shoplifting was associated with low self-esteem, elevated depression, and purging behaviours at the time of the assessment. The implications of these findings with regard to the relationship between shoplifting and eating disorder symptomatology will be addressed.
Goldner
E M
EM
Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. goldnee@interchange.ubc.ca
Geller
J
J
Birmingham
C L
CL
Remick
R A
RA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013800:Theft / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*