An Idiographic Examination of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors Using Ecological Momentary Assessment and Network Analysis
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Body-focused repetitive behaviors are a class of behaviors including problematic hair pulling (i.e., trichotillomania) and skin picking (i.e., excoriation). Little research has examined how body-focused repetitive behaviors manifest at the individual level and how individuals may differ from group averages. The current study used idiographic observational methods to investigate the internal cognitive and emotional processes and functioning of individuals with body-focused repetitive behaviors. Four women participants with body-focused repetitive behaviors of varying severities participated in the study. EMA data were collected five times daily over two weeks. Individual contemporaneous network analyses were conducted examining the role picking/pulling had on functioning and internal states. Network structure differed markedly between participants. Each participant displayed different central processes including cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, shame, and distress intolerance. Findings support individualized assessment and case conceptualization of body-focused repetitive behaviors.
Source: PsyArXiv (OSF Preprints)
Authors: Hannah M Johnson, Eric Lee
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7221320233