Psychological reasons for stealing are kleptomania, poverty, low self-esteem, peer pressure, and various other environmental factors.
Have you ever wondered about the psychology of someone who steals? The person who steals not only steals he robs the happiness and struggles of others. Stealing is a taboo act that no society or religion can allow.
And every country has tough laws for thieves and shoplifters. According to a crime report by the FBI, there were a total of 267,988 robberies in the year 2019. However, our question still stands.
Despite all those restrictions, why do people involve themselves in stealing? Behind this ruthless act of shoplifting so many causes are involved. Don’t worry I’m here to give a detailed note on stealing including its psychological reasons, consequences and how to avoid it.
1. What is stealing?
2. Psychological reasons for stealing
2.1. Kleptomania
2.2. Poverty
2.3. Lack of consequence
2.4. For pleasure
2.5. Need for acceptance
2.6. Rebellious behaviour
2.7. Low self-esteem
2.8. Coping mechanism
2.9. Low morals
2.10. External factors
3. Consequences of stealing
4. How to get rid of shoplifting?
What is stealing?
“There is only one sin and that is theft, when you tell a lie, you steal someone’s right to truth.”
— Khaleed Hosseini
Stealing is defined as the act of snatching something from others illegally. To take something from their custody or the attempt to do so is referred to as stealing. People can attempt to steal anything, such as money, food, or other belongings.
What are the psychological reasons for stealing?
If we talk about the causes, there are so many emotional, environmental, and psychological reasons for stealing. Let’s start to dive into them one by one.
Psychological reasons for stealing are kleptomania, poverty, low self-esteem, peer pressure, and various other environmental factors.
1. Kleptomania
In the context of stealing, a lack of impulse control can be a significant contributing factor. Impulse control plays an important role in our behaviour. We as humans crave so many things all the time.
However, checks and balances should be a must. The state where people can’t resist their urges is called kleptomania. It is a mental health disorder defined by an irresistible compulsion to steal.
Such individuals often steal unnecessary items due to their strong desire. Kleptomania is a recognized mental health disorder listed by DSM-5.
Signs of kleptomania
Kleptomania is an impulsive behaviour where individuals steal items without a whim. This act is often unplanned. They often steal items that they don’t need. They are thieves without any motive, just to satisfy themselves.
Recurrent episodes of stealing are also signs of kleptomania. Moreover, people feel a sense of guilt after stealing. So they donate the stolen items to minimize their guilt.
Treatment of kleptomania
Treatment of kleptomania is done by various cognitive behaviour therapeutic techniques (CBT). Medications are also used in some cases.
2. Poverty
If someone is grappling with illiteracy and poverty. Imagine what you will do if your basic needs are not met. People who are poor and can’t afford basic needs despite all efforts resort to involvement in unlawful activities.
People face the scarcity of food, and shelter, and have unpaid bills yet not earning a penny. They can’t meet even the lowest standard of their living. So stealing emerges as a last resort.
They don’t care about ethics; all they want is to fulfill the needs of their loved ones. This type of theft is often born out of necessity rather than a need for compulsion. It also exposes the system’s flaws and inequalities.
Also read: 10 Psychological reasons for overspending (15+ Tips to stop overspending)
3. Lack of consequences
In some cases, individuals may have not faced severe consequences for their stealing behaviour in the past. If someone has repeatedly stolen without experiencing significant negative outcomes, they may be more likely to continue engaging in theft. The absence of strict repercussions can contribute to a repeated pattern of stealing.
4. For pleasure
Stealing becomes a sense of happiness for some individuals. They feel pleasure by engaging themselves in unethical activities. This is also a kind of thrill-seeking behaviour.
Hormones like serotonin and dopamine are released. Serotonin is responsible for happiness and dopamine is an addictive neurotransmitter. High levels of dopamine cause an addiction cycle.
This is also important in forming habits. In this way stealing becomes an addiction for some. They are involved in a compulsive habit of theft.
5. Need for acceptance
By nature, humans are social beings. Thus societal interactions have a significant impact on human behaviour. For some individuals the need for acceptance outweighs moral considerations, leading them down the path of stealing.
The stolen items are used to show off and satisfy vanity. People used to boast about their superiority among their peers. Some young generations also steal because they want some adventure.
People Also read: 10 Psychological reasons for overeating and tips to stop overeating
6. Rebellious behaviour
Some people are the rebels. They prefer to defy the norms and regulations adhered to by the majority. These people have a spirit of rebellion against perceived authority figures. They hate the rulers and people in power.
They want all the power in their own hands. Most teenagers and young generations lie under this group. The act of stealing might hit societal norms. By doing this they directly attack the authorities.
7. Low self-esteem
Low self-esteem can lead to the act of snatching. Possessing pilfered items may briefly boost their self-esteem. It’s crucial to address low self-esteem at its core to prevent such behaviour.
8. Coping mechanism
People use stealing, lying, and deception as coping mechanisms. Stealing provides a temporary relief. The thief feels the emotions of joy and pleasure after gaining something with little effort.
People with past traumas and painful memories remain under stress. The act of theft paradoxically, becomes a temporary escape from the harsh reality. Such people should find healthy coping mechanisms.
9. Low morals
Low moral values are another psychological reason for stealing. People who lack moral development may get involved in forbidden activities easily. The absence of ingrained ethical standards can contribute to shoplifting.
These individuals show little concern for the outcomes of their actions. They break the law easily and don’t have a sense of kindness for others. Hence, individuals lacking moral ethics, empathy, and feelings for others are mostly the lawbreakers.
10. Environmental factors
You might hear the term nature vs nurture. This suggests that the environment plays a crucial role in influencing human behaviour. The nature or inner feelings of a person are given less importance. Hence a person exhibits the characteristics of his or her environment.
Imagine a child who’s grown up in an environment where stealing, Lying, and deception are common. So what can you accept from such a child? Does he be a highly moral and honest human being as a man? Definitely not.
Also read: 10 Psychological Reasons For Betrayal In Every Relationship
Consequences of stealing
Stealing not only has legal repercussions but also influences emotions and society. Criminal charges, fines, and jails are common legal actions. Crime records also impact employment status leading to financial issues. Guilt, fear, and stress due to stealing affect mental health.
How to get rid of stealing?
In tackling this issue, it’s crucial to pinpoint root causes like poverty or addiction. Create opportunities for individuals to fulfill your needs through legal means.
These may offer alternatives to stealing. Seeking professional help, and the development of ethical values, and self-esteem can also help in this regard. You can also ask for your community to support them.
Conclusion
Understanding why people steal is key to stopping it. We need a mix of solutions, like helping mental health, fighting poverty, and promoting good values. By caring for each other, being ethical, and supporting our communities, we can make a safer and kinder world.
