Comparison of Shoplifting Behaviours in Patients with Eating Disorders, Psychiatric Control Subjects, and Undergraduate Control Subjects

Abstract

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.