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Essay on Psychology Research Paper
Kleptomaniacs
In kleptomaniacs or "pathological stealing" as Dr. Glueck, for example, prefers to call it. The popular reader is somewhat familiar with characters called kleptomanias, and the impression of them that is usually created by the daily press is that they are thieves ad lib. This is not necessarily the case. Rather they take what does not belong to them, not so much as a result of blind impulsion; not quite "blind impulsion" because the kleptomaniac is at pains to conceal not only his act but the products of his stealing.
Basically, “kleptomaniac” is a term tossed around lightly in modern speech, kleptomania is an officially recognized disease falling into the category of impulse-control disorders, such as compulsive gambling or trichotillomania (compulsive hair-pulling). http://daily.stanford.edu/tempo?page=content&id=14876&repository=0001_article
Kleptomania Factfile:
* Two out of three kleptomaniacs are women.
* Five per cent of shoplifters are kleptomaniacs.
* In 50 per cent of cases, kleptomaniacs are over the age of 20.
* Most kleptomaniacs can afford what they steal.
* Kleptomania is different from shoplifting in the sense that shoplifters usually plan to steal an object, and they usually steal because they cannot afford the object.
* Kleptomaniacs are driven by the thrill of the act of stealing, rather than for personal use.
* After they steal an object, kleptomaniacs will consider it worthless — they may hide the stolen object or even return it.
* Eating disorders and substance abuse disorders are common in kleptomaniacs.
* Some psychologists believe that kleptomania is a form of sexual excitement, or a substitute for a sexual act.
* Awareness that the thefts are not being committed as a result of delusions or hallucinations, or as acts of revenge or anger.
Telltale signs of kleptomania
* Sneaking objects on impulse, without prior planning.
* Increased tension immediately before committing the theft.
* Heightened pleasure or relief during the theft......................
