Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
4-2018
Publisher
Elsevier (WB Saunders)
Source Publication
Comprehensive Psychiatry
Source ISSN
0010-440X
Abstract
Objective
Several compulsive grooming habits such as hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting are collectively known as body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). Although subclinical BFRBs are common and benign, more severe and damaging manifestations exist that are difficult to manage. Researchers have suggested that BFRBs are maintained by various cognitive, affective, and sensory contingencies. Although the involvement of cognitive and affective processes in BFRBs has been studied, there is a paucity of research on sensory processes.
Methods
The current study tested whether adults with subclinical or clinical BFRBs would report abnormal patterns of sensory processing as compared to a healthy control sample.
Results
Adults with clinical BFRBs (n = 26) reported increased sensory sensitivity as compared to persons with subclinical BFRBs (n = 48) and healthy individuals (n = 33). Elevations in sensation avoidance differentiated persons with clinical versus subclinical BFRBs. Sensation seeking patterns were not different between groups. Unexpectedly, BFRB severity was associated with lower registration of sensory stimuli, but this finding may be due to high psychiatric comorbidity rates in the BFRB groups.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that several sensory abnormalities may underlie BFRBs. Implications for the etiology and treatment of BFRBs are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Houghton, David C.; Alexander, Jennifer R.; Bauer, Christopher C.; and Woods, Douglas W., "Abnormal Perceptual Sensitivity in Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors" (2018). Psychology Faculty Research and Publications. 322.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/psych_fac/322
Comments
Accepted version. Comprehensive Psychiatry, Vol. 82 (April 2018): 45-52. DOI. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. Used with permission.