The relationship between stealing and eating disorders: a review

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Stealing behavior is frequently observed in individuals with eating disorders, though epidemiological data are scarce.
• Clinical observations suggest a significant association between stealing and eating disorders, particularly bulimic symptomatology.
• The presence of stealing behavior may function as an indicator of eating disorder severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on the association between stealing behavior and eating disorders.
• To explore potential explanatory factors contributing to this association.
• To identify areas for future research to clarify the relationship and its implications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies and clinical observations on stealing behavior in eating disorder populations.
• Examination of nine proposed explanatory factors for the co-occurrence of stealing and eating disorders.
• Identification of research gaps concerning prevalence, treatment, and prognosis.

Main Results:

• A strong association exists between stealing behavior and bulimic symptoms in eating disorders.
• Nine potential factors are discussed, including starvation effects, medication, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychodynamic issues, dissociation, tension reduction, impulsivity, and sociocultural influences.
• Lack of data on stealing behavior prevalence in the general population hinders understanding.

Conclusions:

• Stealing behavior is a relevant clinical feature in eating disorders, often linked to severity.
• Multiple interacting factors likely contribute to the co-occurrence of stealing and eating disorders.
• Further research, including epidemiological surveys and treatment studies, is crucial.