Final answer:
Teenagers engaging in shoplifting invent a sense of winning or losing, influenced by thrill-seeking and peer relationships. They make decisions on clothing purchases influenced by social norms and parental guidelines, often aiming to save money. Adolescence is a time of identity formation, high risk-taking behavior, and susceptibility to peer and social pressures, especially around deviant activities like shoplifting.
Step-by-step explanation:
When teenagers engage in sneaky thrills such as shoplifting, they often invent a sense of winning or losing. This becomes a psychological game where the risk and thrill of the act can overshadow the legal and moral implications. Teenagers following social norms when buying clothes is likely motivated by a combination of following parents' rules and saving money, which typically are among the guiding factors in their decision-making process.
In a scenario where an employee at a retail store is accused of theft, the label of being a thief can be challenging to deal with. They may need to take initiative to clear their name, which can lead to feelings of guilt if they have indeed overstepped boundaries. Peer influence becomes crucial at this stage of life as adolescents continue to refine their sense of self. Erikson described this task as one of identity versus role confusion, where peer relationships become central to a teenager's life.
Additionally, teens are known for being risk-takers even though they have the ability to evaluate risks and rewards. This may be attributed to the different values they hold compared to adults, as well as the excitement of risk which can seem more enticing than the potential consequences. Informal sanctions from peers and society play a role in shaping behavior, such as shoplifting, which is considered social deviance.