What to do about Shoplifting

If the shoplifting doesn't seem to be the result of psychopathology, them maybe this is just a matter of behavior change. Here are some ideas about changing behavior in the Real World

I. Focusing on the Current Reality

What are the naturally-occurring consequences?

1) Naturally-ocurring pay-offs to the desired behavior.
2) Naturally-ocurring drawbacks to the behavior we want to discourage.

Are there any naturally-ocurring deterrents to the desired behavior?

1) Actual drawbacks.
2) Fears, misconceptions, and misunderstandings.

Insofar as possible, arrange things so that the naturally-ocurring consequences support the desired behaviors and discourage the behaviors you want to eliminate. Eliminate or minimize the deterrents to the desired behavior.

Make sure the individual recognizes the likely consequences. Clear up fears and misconceptions.
Identify the thoughts and feelings that lead to the problem behavior and address any dysfunctional thoughts.

II. If you are in a position to impose consequences

Positive consequences for good behavior have advantages over negative consequences for bad behavior.
If possible, try to make changes in manageable steps. Maximize the chance for the individual to succeed in changing.
Pay attention to the actual effects rather than to how it "should" work.
Maximize the client's choice and autonomy. Emphasize choice and consequences.

The consequences used need to be:

Practical.
Clear, consistent, and immediate.
Thought through ahead of time.
Endorsed by everyone who is involved in imposing the consequences.
Applied to everyone in the program.
Followed through on from the very beginning.
Significant enough to have impact.
Appropriate enough that everyone feels comfortable following through.
As similar to real-life consequences as possible.

Anticipate testing.

Replies:

Re:What to do about Shoplifting, by Linda Nauth, 06/16/02 Re:PIG: the problem of immediate gratification, by Linda Nauth, 06/16/02 Re:PIG: the problem of immediate gratification, by Jim Pretzer, 06/17/02 Thanks, by Eddy, 06/18/02

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