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

Abstract

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.