The Role of Cognitions and Beliefs in Trichotillomania: A Qualitative Study Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
August 2015
in “
Behaviour change
”
TLDR Cognitions significantly influence Trichotillomania, suggesting cognitive therapies could help.
This study explored the cognitions and beliefs contributing to trichotillomania (TTM) through semi-structured interviews with 8 women. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, six key themes were identified: negative self-beliefs, control beliefs, beliefs about coping, beliefs about negative emotions, permission-giving beliefs, and perfectionism. These findings suggested that cognitions played a significant role in the onset and maintenance of hair-pulling in TTM. The study highlighted the potential for future quantitative research to enhance cognitive-behavioral models and treatments for TTM.
