Rapp, J. T., Miltenberger, R. G., Long, E. S., Elliott, A. J., & Lumley, V. A. (1998).
Simplified habit reversal treatment for chronic hair pulling in three adolescents: A clinical replication with direct observation.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
31, 299-302.
Three developmentally normal adolescents with chronic hair
pulling were treated with a simplified habit reversal procedure
consisting of awareness training, competing response training,
and social support. Treatment resulted in an immediate reduction
to near-zero levels of hair pulling, with one to three booster
sessions required to maintain these levels. The results were
maintained from 18 to 27 weeks posttreatment, although 1
participant reported difficulty at follow-up. The effectiveness
of simplified habit reversal and suggestions for future research
are discussed.
DESCRIPTORS: habit reversal, awareness training, competing
response training, social support, hair pulling, trichotillomania