Self-Concepts and Self-Worth as Predictors of Self-Perception of Morality: Implications for Delinquent Risk Behavior Associated With Shoplifting

This study examined delinquent risk behavior defined as shoplifting involvement from a social domain perspective. Aspects of adolescent self-concepts associated with significant others and self-worth were explored as predictors of self-perception of morality. The sample (N = 155) comprised Caucasian students aged 14 to 18 enrolled in one high school in a Southwest state. More than half of the adolescents had self-reported shoplifting involvement. Independent two-step regression analyses were conducted for the two shoplifting involvement groups. Peer social acceptance was a strong positive predictor of self-worth for adolescents with shoplifting involvement, whereas the strongest predictor for adolescents with no shoplifting involvement was parent-child relationships. Strong direct paths linked peer social acceptance, self-worth, and self-perception of morality for adolescents with shoplifting involvement, and parent-child relationships, self-worth, and self-perception of morality for adolescents with no shoplifting involvement. Educational implications for programs focusing on adolescent self-concept and moral development are discussed.