SIMPLIFIED HABIT REVERSAL TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC HAIR PULLING IN THREE ADOLESCENTS: A CLINICAL REPLICATION WITH DIRECT OBSERVATION

Abstract

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.