Date of Award:

5-2025

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Psychology

Committee Chair(s)

Michael P. Twohig

Committee

Michael P. Twohig

Committee

Michael E. Levin

Committee

Maria Kleinstäuber

Abstract

Trichotillomania is a mental health disorder where individuals compulsively pull on their hair, leading to distress and life challenges. Although effective treatments like habit reversal training (HRT) and ACT-enhanced behavior therapy (A-EBT) exist, many health providers lack knowledge about these approaches. This study aimed to close that gap by training therapists in A-EBT through an online workshop and follow-up consultations. Over 100 therapists participated, and those who completed the training gained more knowledge about trichotillomania, felt more confident in their ability to treat the condition, and were more likely to promote their services, leading to more people getting the care they needed. Interestingly, many therapists also began using the skills they learned to treat other related conditions, such as skin-picking disorder and other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). These findings suggest that training in evidence-based therapies for trichotillomania can also help therapists better treat a range of BFRBs. Future research will explore ways to expand training to address more of these behaviors, ensuring that even more people receive effective care.

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