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Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders

Investigating Motivational Dimensions of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms in Trichotillomania

(PS2-93) Investigating Motivational Dimensions of Obsessive-compulsive Symptoms in Trichotillomania

Friday, November 15, 2024

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

Location: Franklin Hall, Level 4, Marriott Downtown

Author(s)

HB

Halle T. Berres, B.A.

Research Coordinator
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Co-Author(s)

Bryce Arseneau, M.S.

Graduate Student
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
CA

Cohley Acenowr, M.S.

Graduate Researcher
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Han-Joo Lee, Ph.D.

Professor
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee / Rogers Memorial Behavioral Health
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Abstract Text: Emerging research highlights the unique temperament patterns associated with obsessive-compulsive (OC) and related disorders, where trichotillomania (hair-pulling) symptoms may be associated with harm avoidance temperament as demonstrated by Grant et al. (2023). However, limited research exists on motivational dimensions of OC symptoms, such as harm avoidance and incompleteness motivations, in individuals experiencing hair-pulling symptoms. This study examines these dimensions using the Obsessive-Compulsive Trait Core Dimensions Questionnaire (OCTCDQ), a 20-item self-report questionnaire with two subscales, harm avoidance and incompleteness, and the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Hair Pulling Scale (MGH-HPS), a 7-item self-report questionnaire assessing repetitive hair-pulling. We hypothesize that among both motivational dimensions, harm avoidance will emerge as the stronger predictor of hair-pulling symptoms. Our sample consisted of N = 429 university students. Participants identified as predominantly female (79.5%; 15.2% male; 5.3% another identity) who ranged in age from 18-59 (M = 22.2 years, SD = 4.6). Participants also identified as largely White (68.8%, 9.3% Asian; 7.9% Black or African American; 7.0% Multiple; 1.4% American Indian or Alaskan Native; 1.4% Middle Eastern; 2.6% Other; 1.6% Refuse to Answer) and non-Hispanic (85.5%, 14.5% Hispanic). Participants took a series of self-report questionnaires relating to demographics, motivational dimensions of OC symptoms (OCTCDQ), and hair-pulling symptoms (MGH-HPS). Hierarchical linear regressions were conducted to examine the relative contribution of the OCTCDQ subtypes in predicting hair-pulling symptoms. The mean OCTCDQ score for the sample was M = 48.07 (SD = 18.88). Results indicate that harm-avoidance motivations were the stronger predictor of hair-pulling symptoms (β = .274, p < .001) in comparison to incompleteness motivations (β = -.040, p = .601). This study provides important insight into the field of OCD and related disorders, specifically trichotillomania, in that harm avoidance is a significant motivational dimension of OC symptoms in individuals experiencing hair-pulling. Trichotillomania is usually conceptualized as a condition characterized by “not just right” experience (NJRE). Further, trichotillomania does not involve perceived threat and its overestimation, as in the case of anxiety disorders or OCD. Nevertheless, the current findings show that harm avoidance is still an important underlying factor, which is also aligned with recent findings showing the presence of harm avoidance as a temperament in trichotillomania. Harm avoidance is associated with anticipatory worry and intolerance of uncertainty; therefore hair-pulling may act as a self-soothing mechanism for these individuals. This line of research offers meaningful insight on how trichotillomania symptoms and their motivations should be assessed and treated.