Dysfunctional beliefs associated with hair pulling disorder: an examination in clinical versus non-clinical groups

Objective Until recently, empirical studies had been limited with respect to investigating factors that influence the onset and maintenance of hair pulling disorder (HPD), particularly regarding the role of dysfunctional cognitions and beliefs. The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationships between symptom severity and belief domains in a sample with hair pulling disorder compared with non-clinical participants, using the Beliefs in Trichotillomania Scale (BiTS); a recently developed measure of relevant negative self-beliefs, coping efficacy beliefs, and perfectionist cognitions.