Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Marble Burying and Nestlet Shredding as Tests of Repetitive, Compulsive-like Behaviors in Mice
Published on: December 24, 2013
Repetitive skin-picking in a student population and comparison with a sample of self-injurious skin-pickers
N J Keuthen1, T Deckersbach, S Wilhelm
1OCD Clinic and Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital-East, Charlestown 02129, USA.
Abstract:
The prevalence of skin-picking and its associated characteristics were documented in a nonclinical sample of 105 college students. Subjects completed a self-report skin-picking inventory and several paper-and-pencil scales. Students who endorsed skin-picking were compared to a clinical sample of self-injurious skin-pickers (n = 31) reported on previously. Of the student subjects, 78.1% (n = 82) endorsed some degree of skin-picking and four subjects satisfied criteria for severe, self-injurious picking. Student subjects significantly differed from the clinical sample-of self-injurious skin-pickers in the duration, focus, and extent of picking, techniques used, reasons for picking, associated emotions, and picking sequelae.
Related Concept Videos
Surveys
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model
Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison

