Prevalence and correlates of shoplifting in the United States: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC).
OBJECTIVE
This study presented nationally representative data on the lifetime prevalence, correlates, and comorbidity of shoplifting among adults in the United States.


METHODS
Data were derived from a large national sample of the United States population. Face-to-face surveys of more than 43,000 adults ages 18 years and older residing in households were conducted during the 2001-2002 period. Diagnoses of mood, anxiety, and drug disorders as well as personality disorders were based on the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-DSM-IV Version.


RESULTS
The prevalence of lifetime shoplifting in the U.S. population was 11.3%. Associations between shoplifting and all antisocial behaviors were positive and significant. Besides stealing, the behaviors more strongly associated with shoplifting were making money illegally and scamming someone for money. Strong associations between shoplifting and all 12-month and lifetime comorbid psychiatric disorders were also found. The strongest associations with shoplifting were with disorders often associated with deficits in impulse control, such as antisocial personality disorder, substance use disorders, pathological gambling, and bipolar disorder. High rates of mental health service use were also identified in this population.


CONCLUSIONS
Shoplifting is a relatively common behavior. A history of shoplifting is associated with substantial rates of comorbid disorders, psychosocial impairment, and mental health service use. Future research should identify the biological and environmental underpinnings of shoplifting and develop effective screening tools and interventions for individuals with shoplifting problems.
Blanco
Carlos
C
New York State Psychiatric Institute/Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. cb255@columbia.edu
Grant
Jon
J
Petry
Nancy M
NM
Simpson
H Blair
HB
Alegria
Analucia
A
Liu
Shang-Min
SM
Hasin
Deborah
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D003710:Demography; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013800:Theft / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology