Management of compulsive shoplifting through covert sensitization.

A client with a shoplifting of 4 years' duration was treated by convert sensitization. To control for improvement attributable to demand characteristics alone, thought-stopping was utilized prior to the treatment period. Results indicated that the application of thought-stopping produced an increase in all dimensions (frequency, duration and intensity) of shoplifting urges which were brought under control and virtually eliminated by instituting covert sensitization. Follow-up assessments at 1, 2, 5 and 14 months showed maintenance of treatment gains. These findings are discussed from the viewpoint of a cognitively mediated model of compulsive shoplifting.