Trichotillomania Research
Trichotillomania Support collected data from over 34,000 people with Trichotillomania from all over the world, people of all ages and backgrounds – Trichotillomania Support (2019). Results afforded much insight into the hair pulling disorder and how it affects people. Please check back here regularly as we are continually updating with new research about hair pulling and BFRBs. We are always happy to help improve knowledge of trichotillomania in any way we can.
Most Common Helpers to Stop Hair Pulling
Keeping busy, determination, doing something with my hands, being around people, moving about. Read more detailed Info
Most Common Hair Pulling Triggers
The researched revealed the following most common triggers for hair pulling:
Stress, boredom, anxiety, watching TV, reading, sitting down, thinking, nerves.
Hair pulling, also known as trichotillomania, is often triggered by a variety of emotional and environmental factors. Stress and anxiety are among the most common triggers, with individuals frequently resorting to hair pulling as a coping mechanism during periods of heightened tension. Boredom and inactivity can also lead to hair pulling, as the repetitive action provides a sense of stimulation or relief. Additionally, feelings of frustration, loneliness, and sadness can contribute to the behavior, as well as specific situations that evoke these emotions. For some, the trigger might be linked to certain tactile sensations, such as the texture of hair or scalp, which can prompt an urge to pull. Understanding these triggers is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage and reduce the occurrence of hair pulling episodes.
Age of Onset of Trichotillomania
Age of onset does seem to be decreasing, but our research found that the average age people start hair pulling is 12 years old.
Social Traits within the Trichotillomania Community
Trichotillomania Support asked 1,618 people with trichotillomania about their confidence.
The majority said they were a little shy but at times could be quite confident. Almost as many said that they were very confident except for their pulling.
14.03% felt they were of average confidence.
A small amount said they just didn’t like people.
Trichotillomania Support (2019)
Trichotillomania and Social Anxiety
The pie chart on the left displays the different perception of social experiences Across a group of 1,618 people who struggle with hair pulling.
The results indicated that social events cause stress for many people with trichotillomania, with fewer of them being naturally outgoing or completely comfortable in social settings.
Social Traits within the Trichotillomania Community
Find Social Events Stressful
This group represents the largest section of the trichotillomania community, indicating that a significant portion of hair pullers find social events to be stressful.
Quite Outgoing
This section shows the percentage of individuals who consider themselves outgoing and comfortable in social settings.
Used to be Shy but Pushed Through
A significant group of people with trichotillomania indicated that they used to be shy but had made efforts to overcome their shyness.
No Stress Socialising
The smallest group of respondents represented those who did not find socializing stressful at all.
Find Social Events Stressful
This group represents the largest section of the trichotillomania community, indicating that a significant portion of hair pullers find social events to be stressful.
Quite Outgoing
This section shows the percentage of individuals who consider themselves outgoing and comfortable in social settings.
Used to be Shy but Pushed Through
A significant group of people with trichotillomania indicated that they used to be shy but had made efforts to overcome their shyness.
No Stress Socialising
The smallest group of respondents represented those who did not find socializing stressful at all.
Trichotillomania and Gender
Gender: Christenson’s study of 2,500 college students suggests a ratio of 2 females to every 1 male hair puller. Our online survey showed just 1 in 10 tricsters who completed our questionnaire are male. There may be many reasons for this difference, such as it may affect more young males, men may be less likely to visit our site, or to complete our questionnaire.