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Management of compulsive shoplifting through covert sensitization
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|March 1, 1982
Summary
Covert sensitization effectively treated a 4-year shoplifting issue. Thought-stopping initially increased urges, but covert sensitization then eliminated them, with lasting results.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Compulsive shoplifting is a persistent behavioral issue.
- Cognitive and behavioral interventions are explored for treatment.
- Controlling for placebo effects is crucial in behavioral studies.
Observation:
- A patient with a 4-year history of shoplifting participated in the study.
- Thought-stopping was used as a control technique before covert sensitization.
- Shoplifting urges (frequency, duration, intensity) were monitored.
Findings:
- Thought-stopping temporarily increased shoplifting urges.
- Covert sensitization significantly reduced and virtually eliminated shoplifting urges.
- Treatment gains were maintained at 1, 2, 5, and 14-month follow-ups.
Implications:
- Covert sensitization is a viable treatment for compulsive shoplifting.
- Cognitive factors play a role in the maintenance of shoplifting behavior.
- The findings support a cognitively mediated model of compulsive behaviors.