Development of a measure of cognitions and beliefs in trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a distressing psychological disorder characterised by the repetitive removal of one's hair, causing hair loss. Having long been conceptualised a habitual behaviour, the role of maladaptive cognitions in the onset and maintenance of hair pulling has been the subject of limited research. Using qualitative and quantitative research methods across three studies, this thesis investigated the nature of maladaptive cognitions and beliefs in adults with varying degrees of trichotillomania symptoms. Via the development and validation of a related self-report measure, this thesis discovered that negative self-beliefs may be particularly important in the maintenance of trichotillomania.