Rapp, J. T., Miltenberger, R. G., Galensky, T. L., Ellingson, S. A., & Long, E. S. (1999).
A functional analysis of hair pulling.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
32, 329-337.
We experimentally assessed the functions of hair pulling and hair
manipulation of a 19-year-old woman (Kris) with moderate mental
retardation and cerebral palsy. In Phase 1 a functional analysis
revealed that Kris pulled and manipulated hair for the greatest
amount of time in the alone condition, suggesting that the
behaviors were maintained by some form of automatic reinforcement
(Vaughan & Michael, 1982). In Phase 2 we assessed the nature
of the sensory stimulation that maintained hair pulling by
providing continuous access to previously pulled or cut hair and,
thereafter, by having Kris wear a rubber glove. The results
suggested that hair pulling was maintained by digital-tactile
stimulation (automatic positive reinforcement). These findings
are discussed, and recommendations for further analyses of
automatically reinforced habit behaviors are provided.
DESCRIPTORS: _hair pulling, functional analysis, trichotillomania,
sensory reinforcement