Stealing-related craving and outcome expectancy in kleptomania: An exploratory study using implicit measures

Kleptomania, observed among individuals who repeatedly engage in theft, differs from ordinary theft. Its primary motivation is not the acquisition of goods or resale profits but the relief of tension or the pleasure derived from the stealing act itself. Kleptomania is regarded as a form of addiction, for which psychological interventions are considered effective. However, empirical examination of craving and outcome expectancy (factors assumed to maintain its automatic response chain) has been lacking. The present study aimed to clarify the descriptive features of craving and outcome expectancy in kleptomania. Participants were 28 patients with kleptomania, and 19 theft offenders formed a comparison group. Craving for stealing was assessed using the Arousal Implicit Association Test, and outcome expectancy was assessed using the Positive Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure, both of which capture implicit processes often outside patients’ awareness. Patients with kleptomania tended to show both craving and outcome expectancy, although no significant differences were observed compared with theft offenders. Within the kleptomania group, craving was not associated with outcome and process variables, whereas higher outcome expectancy was linked to greater dynamic risk of recidivism and lower self-control. These findings suggested that strong outcome expectancy increases vulnerability to negative emotions and the prioritization of immediate rewards, thereby elevating the risk of stealing. Therefore, interventions that directly target outcome expectancy, such as cognitive restructuring, may be beneficial. As some theft offenders also exhibited strong craving and/or outcome expectancy, assessment of these factors may inform more effective treatment selection beyond diagnostic criteria alone.