StopPulling.com

Description:

The StopPulling program is designed to help in managing trichotillomania (hair pulling). It is not meant to replace traditional face to face behavioural therapy, but can be used in conjunction with such therapy, or as an alternative to self-help methods such as books. The program will help you to identify situations associated with your hair pulling behaviour, and will recommend strategies to help you change those behaviours. There are three modules in the program: assessment, intervention, and maintenance. The assessment module guides you through extensive self-evaluation of your behaviour and focuses on gathering information about behavioural sequences surrounding hair pulling and identifying your unique cues and reinforcers. You are asked to enter information in a journal every time you engage in hair pulling or have an urge to. In the intervention module, the program will analyse your unique information from the assessment module and suggest helpful interventions or coping strategies to help you decrease your hair pulling. The program will keep track of your progress over time and provide you with feedback on your progress with graphs and charts. The first two modules require a commitment of around 7-10 weeks, but will take less than 15 minutes per day. The third module is designed to help you avoid relapses and to maintain your progress over time. The amount of time spent on the maintenance module depends on how focused you are on maintaining change. If you do experience a relapse, you are encouraged to go back to an earlier section of the program in order to revise the skills previously learned.

Service URL:

http://www.stoppulling.com

Agency Responsible:

PsycTech, Ltd..

Details

Format:

Website.

Intervention Type:

Psychological – CBT.

Course Length:

Long (more than 5 modules). Requires a commitment of 7-10 weeks

Support Option:

Automated only. Provided through tailored feedback

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Self Injurious Behaviour.

Target Audiences:

Adolescent and Adult. Appropriate for individuals 12 years and above

Language:

English.

Access

Fee:

Fee-based.

Access:

Closed: Fee required.

Contact Details:

info@stoppulling.com

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Research RCTs:

0

Outcome Summary:

Preliminary data from an uncontrolled study of the program during its first year suggested that use of the program resulted in significant, albeit modest, reductions in overall severity and frequency of hair pulling. There was some evidence that duration of program use accounted for reductions in symptom severity. This study provides weak evidence that the program might be effective in managing trichotillomania, but further research is required.

Recommended rating, reviewer 1:

Recommended rating, reviewer 2:

Read more about Beacon's Smiley Rating System.

Research paper citations

1. Mouton-Odum, S., Keuthen, N. J., Wagener, P. D., Stanley, M. A., & DeBakey, M. E. (2006). StopPulling.com: An interactive, self-help program for Trichotillomania. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 13, 215-226.