Shoplifting Inventory

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SHOPLIFTING INVENTORY (SI) SCALE DISCUSSION

There are several approaches to Shoplifting Inventory (SI) scale interpretation, ranging from viewing the Shoplifting Inventory (SI) as a self-report to examining elevated scale scores and relationships between scale scores. As shown in the table below, the four Shoplifting Inventory (SI) scale risk ranges are Low Risk, Medium Risk, Problem Risk and Severe Problem.

Risk Category	Risk Range Percentile	Total Percentage
Low Risk	0-39%	39%
Medium Risk	40-69%	30%
Problem Risk	70-89%	20%
Severe Problem	90-100%	11%

With any Shoplifting Inventory (SI) scale, a problem is not identified unless a scale score is at or above the 70th percentile. Scores at the 70th percentile or higher are referred to as elevated scores. Scores at the 70th to 89th percentile are in the problem range, and scale scores at or above the 90th percentile are in the severe problem range. Severe problems represent 11% of shoplifters evaluated with the Shoplifting Inventory (SI). In other words, this 11% is composed of shoplifters that have attained the highest (most severe scores) on a Shoplifting Inventory (SI) scale.

SCALE INTERPRETATION

Individuals administered the Shoplifting Inventory (SI) have been accused of or caught shoplifting. There are multiple advantages to shoplifter screening, including more effective allocation of law enforcement and security resources. Shoplifters that attain problematic SI scale scores often benefit from clinical intervention, counseling or treatment, whereas shoplifters that are ‘non-problematic’ (all scale scores are at the 69th percentile or below) are frequently better suited to probation, other correctional supervision or diversion programs. Being caught in the act of shoplifting often has legal consequences, but when warranted, out-of-control shoplifting involvement and comorbid conditions like substance abuse and emotional or mental health problems (e.g., low self-esteem) can be clinically addressed in order to improve the client’s prognosis. It is important to distinguish between shoplifters that need clinical services (have co-occurring mental/emotional problems) from those that shoplift and have no co-occurring problems. As noted, differentiating between shoplifters based on problem severity (or lack thereof) facilitates better allocation of resources. In addition, matching problem severity with treatment intensity is a way to lower recidivism risk (Bonta & Andrews, 2007).

Description and discussion of each Shoplifting Inventory (SI) scale follows.

Truthfulness Scale: Measures how truthful the shoplifter was while completing the test. It identifies guarded and defensive individuals. Truthfulness scale scores at or below the 89th percentile mean that all Shoplifting Inventory (SI) scales are accurate. Scale scores in the 70 to 89th percentile range are accurate because they have been Truth-Corrected. Truthfulness Scale scores at or above the 90th percentile mean that all SI scales are inaccurate (invalid) because the respondent was overly guarded, read things into test items that aren’t there, was minimizing problems, or was attempting to fake answers. Individuals with reading impairments might also score in the elevated score range. If not consciously deceptive, shoplifters with elevated Truthfulness Scale scores are uncooperative, fail to understand test items or have a need to appear in a good light. The Truthfulness Scale score is important because it determines whether or not the respondent answered SI test items honestly. One of the first things to check when reviewing an SI report is the Truthfulness Scale score. The Truthfulness Scale can be interpreted independently. Truthfulness Scale scores override all other SI scale scores.

Shoplifting Scale: Identifies shoplifting involvement and measures shoplifting problem severity. This is the focal scale of the SI, and incorporates shoplifting frequency, preoccupation and shoplifting-related attitudes and behavior. Most shoplifters do not do so for economic gain (NASP, 2006). A fixation or obsession with shoplifting is a possible symptom of a shoplifting problem, as is experiencing feelings of extreme excitement, giddiness, or an elated ‘high’ or ‘rush’ after engaging in shoplifting. Some shoplifters do not consider shoplifting to be stealing (Arboleda, Durie & Costello, 1977). These and other shoplifter attitudes and behaviors are represented in the Shoplifting Scale. Shoplifters that attain non-problematic (at or below the 69th percentile) Shoplifting Scale scores are not habitual or compulsive shoplifters. They may engage in shoplifting due to other factors, but their shoplifting involvement is typically infrequent in nature. A review of other SI scale scores would provide some insight into the individual’s shoplifting motivation. For example, an elevated Peer Pressure Scale score would indicate that peer influence likely factors into the types of situations and actions the individual is involved in. Elevated Alcohol Scale and/or Drugs Scale scores may indicate that shoplifting episodes occur as a result of substance abuse. An elevated Impulsiveness Scale score with a non-problematic Shoplifting Scale score would indicate impulse-control problems that may manifest itself in a variety of other ways aside from sporadic acts of shoplifting. The Shoplifting Scale can be interpreted individually or in combination with other SI scale scores.

Impulsiveness Scale: This scale identifies individuals that abruptly engage in activities without adequate forethought, reflection or consideration of consequences. These individuals often act ‘on a whim’. The National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (2005) reports that the majority of shoplifters do not plan to shoplift upon entering a retail establishment; shoplifting occurs on an impulse. Schwartz and Wood (1991) found that impulsiveness is a behavioral factor linked to shoplifting. An elevated (70th percentile or higher) Impulsiveness Scale score characterizes shoplifters that often act without deliberation. Although quick to act or respond, they are not out of control. Problem risk (70 to 89th percentile) scorers are hasty and tend to act without thinking. Low Risk (zero to 39th percentile) and Medium Risk (40 to 69th percentile) scorers typically act with deliberation, forethought and consider consequences of their actions. Shoplifters attaining Severe Problem (90 to 100th percentile) Impulsiveness Scale scores are very impulsive. Impulsivity would be an important contributing factor in terms of their shoplifting involvement per se. The Impulsiveness Scale can be interpreted in and of itself or in terms of its interaction with other SI scales.

Peer Pressure Scale: Measures the degree to which friends and other peers influence the shoplifter’s actions and attitudes. Peer pressure can be benign or harmful. Individuals that are susceptible to peer pressure often feel inclined to act in a way that is acceptable to their peers. The motivation for succumbing to peer pressure is almost always fear of social rejection. Research has linked shoplifting to the belief that the attitudes of peers are correct or favorable, and also associate shoplifting with anti-establishment values (Beers, 1973). Shoplifters often associate with individuals who also shoplift (Schwartz & Wood, 1991). As shoplifters engage in behavior that is not acceptable in society, they may seek to associate with peers that have similar views, e.g., believing that shoplifting is not really stealing, or feeling they deserve to ‘get something for nothing’. A Peer Pressure Scale score in the Problem Risk range (at the 70th percentile or above) means that the shoplifter is deeply concerned with fitting in with their peers and being accepted by them. A problematic Peer Pressure Scale score occurring with a problematic Shoplifting Scale score may indicate a strong peer influence factoring into the individual’s shoplifting involvement. Low Risk (zero to 39th percentile) and Medium Risk (40 to 69th percentile) scorers are not significantly influenced by their peers. In contrast, scores in the Severe Problem (90th percentile or higher) range mean that the shoplifter is heavily influenced by their peers. They almost always go along with what their peers want. The Peer Pressure Scale can be interpreted by itself or in combination with other SI scale scores.

Alcohol Scale: This scale measures the severity of alcohol use or abuse. Alcohol refers to beer, wine or other liquor. Alcohol use or abuse is often an important factor to be understood when evaluating people accused or convicted of shoplifting. Alcohol is a significant problem in our society. The harm associated with alcohol abuse -- mental, emotional and physical -- is well documented. In terms of shoplifting, BBC News recently reported alcohol as being one of the most-shoplifted items (BBC, 2005). A problem risk (70 to 89th percentile) Alcohol Scale score identifies emerging drinking problems. An Alcohol Scale score in the severe problem (90 to 100th percentile) range identifies serious and established drinking problems. Elevated Alcohol Scale and Drugs Scale scores indicate polysubstance abuse and the higher score often reflects the client’s substance of choice. Alcohol Scale scores in the severe problem (90 to 100th percentile) range compound risk even more. Some compulsive shoplifters may have co-occurring problems which can include alcohol abuse and mental health disorders like low self-esteem (Bradford & Balmaceda, 1983). Elevated Alcohol and Self-Esteem Scale scores may represent an attempt to self-medicate. The Alcohol Scale can be interpreted individually or in combination with other SI scale scores.

Drugs Scale: Measures drug use and abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana, crack, cocaine, ice, ecstasy, amphetamines, barbiturates, heroin, etc. Drug involvement can increase the likelihood and frequency of shoplifting episodes due to lowered inhibitions (Williams & Dalby, 1986). A problem risk (70 to 89th percentile) Drugs Scale score identifies emerging drug problems. A severe problem (90 to 100th percentile) Drugs Scale score identifies serious and established drug problems. Drug abuse can be part of polysubstance (drugs and alcohol) abuse or exacerbate co-occurring conditions. Elevated Drugs and Self-Esteem Scale scores may represent attempts at self-medication. Research compiled by the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (2006) notes that some individuals engage in shoplifting in order to fund their drug abuse. An elevated Shoplifting Scale score with an elevated Drugs Scale indicates an interaction is occurring. Or, drugs may interfere with the shoplifter’s judgment. The Drugs Scale can be interpreted individually or in combination with other SI scale scores.

Self-Esteem Scale: This scale measures the shoplifter’s feelings of self-acceptance and self-worth. Self-Esteem reflects an individual’s explicit valuing and appraisal of self. An elevated (70 to 89th percentile) range score reflects impaired self-esteem. A pattern of self-rejection and disapproval is becoming apparent. The shoplifter has a poor self-perception. Sometimes this is associated with guilt, remorse or shame. An association between shoplifting and low self-esteem is discussed in the shoplifting literature (Goldner, Gellar, Birmingham & Remick, 2000). Research has found that shoplifters often possess a lower sense of self-worth compared to non-shoplifters (Beers, 1973). Shoplifting can be a way to temporarily soothe feelings of worthlessness; conversely, shoplifting can amplify feelings of guilt or self-loathing. A severe problem (90 to 100th percentile) Self-Esteem Scale score is often characterized by shame, humiliation, uncertainty and unbearable negativism. Substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse can exacerbate even more self-disapproval. The Self-Esteem Scale can be interpreted independently or in combination with other SI scales. Many mental health professionals believe that a person’s behavior is a reflection of their self-esteem. The concept of self-esteem is widely used in clinical settings.

No decision, diagnosis or act should be based solely upon Shoplifting Inventory (SI) test results. SI results should be interpreted carefully, in conjunction with experienced staff judgment or at the discretion of a licensed counselor or mental health professional. Client history, records and other available information should be considered during the decision making process. In summary, the Shoplifting Inventory (SI) consists of 141 questions and takes an average of 30 minutes to complete. The Shoplifting Inventory (SI) has seven scales (measures):

Seven Shoplifting Inventory (SI) Scales


1. Truthfulness Scale	4. Alcohol Scale
2. Shoplifting Scale	5. Drugs Scale
3. Impulsiveness Scale	6. Peer Pressure Scale
	7. Self-Esteem Scale

After test answers are input, Shoplifting Inventory (SI) tests are scored and reports are printed within 2 ½ minutes. To review a Shoplifting Inventory (SI) report, click on the Example Report link.

References

Andrews, D.A., Bonta, J. and Hoge, R.D. (1990). Classification for effective rehabilitation. Rediscovering Psychology. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 17, 19-52.

Arboleda-Florez, J., Durie, H., Costello, J. (1977). Shoplifting - An Ordinary Crime? International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 21 (3), 201-207.

BBC NEWS Magazine. (2005). “What do people shoplift?”. November 25, 2005. Retrieved from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4477596.stm.

Beers, J. (1973). Comparison of Shoplifters and Non-Shoplifters: A Study of Student Self-Concepts. Dissertation Abstracts International; 34 (7-B); p. 3455-3456.

Bradford, J. & Balmaceda, R. (1983). Shoplifting: Is there a specific psychiatric syndrome?; Journal of Psychiatry; 28 (4): 248-254.

Goldner, E., Geller, J., Birmingham, C.L., Remick, R.A. (2000). Comparison of Shoplifting Behaviours in Patients with Eating Disorders. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry; Jun. 2000; Vol. 45(5).

National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP) website. 2005. www.shopliftingprevention.org.

Schwartz, S. & Wood, H. (1991). Clinical assessment and intervention with shoplifters. Social Work; May 1991, 36 (3): 234-238.

Williams, R. & Dalby, J. T. (1986). Benzodiazepines and shoplifting. Journal of Offender Therapy & Comparative Criminology; 30 (1): 35-39.

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