Abstract
M.A. (Psychology)
The purpose of this investigation is to determine whether
a group of compulsive stealers would differ from a group of
non-compulsive juvenile delinquents in terms of certain
personality traits.
Using the theories of Freud and Erikson and Kohlberg' s
theory of moral development, the general theory of adolescence
as a development phase with increased tension and conflict
is stressed. Against this background the causes of juvenile
delinquency have been discussed in general, in order to better
comprehend how the different ethiological factors can impede
the heal thy development process. The hereditary factors,
personal pathology, family background and sociological factors
have all been taken into account. From the literature it would
seem that the family background is of primary importance in
the causation of juvenile delinquency. Hereafter a classification
of the different types of stealers follows, as well as the
ethiological factors of compulsive stealing. In the discussion
of the ethiology, the psycho-dynamic view has been specifically
stressed. The basic premise of this theory is that the
compulsive stealer does so by virtue of a symbolic gratification
of needs and that it particularly concerns unsatisfied
affective and sexual needs...