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Trichotillomania and self-esteem: a survey of 62 female hair pullers
J L Soriano1, R L O'Sullivan, L Baer
1Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Background:
The psychological features of trichotillomania have received little empirical attention, despite the fact that sufferers commonly report negative self-image to be one of the most disturbing aspects of the disorder. We conducted the current study to identify specific factors that predict self-esteem problems in hair pullers.
Method:
Sixty-two women with trichotillomania or repetitive hair pulling completed self-report forms assessing factors possibly related to self-esteem in hair pullers. The survey included questions related to demographics, hair-pulling symptoms, mood and anxiety symptoms, and body image concerns.
Results:
Self-esteem did not appear to be directly related to age at onset of hair pulling or severity of hair loss. However, self-esteem was related to level of depression, frequency of hair pulling, level of anxiety, and body dissatisfaction unrelated to hair pulling.
Conclusion:
Several factors, including the frequency of hair pulling, are associated with low self- esteem in patients with trichotillomania. Specific efforts should be made to address these issues in treatment.