HOMEWORK ADHERENCE AND TREATMENT OUTCOME IN HABIT REVERSAL TRAINING FOR TRICHOTILLOMANIA

The current study investigated the relationship between homework adherence and treatment outcome for participants who engaged in Habit Reversal Training (HRT) for Trichotillomania (TTM). This study also explored the importance of timing in homework adherence and the role of autonomous motivation in the relationship between adherence and outcome. Participants enrolled in a stepped care study of TTM. Sixty participants enrolled in step 1 (web-based self-help). Of these, 41 entered an optional step 2, HRT. Therapists evaluated adherence after each session using a 0-3 rating scale regarding the quantity of the homework completed. Treatment outcome was evaluated using the Massachusetts General Hairpulling Scale (MGH-HS) and the Psychiatric Institute Trichotillomania Scale (PITS). Results showed that homework adherence and treatment outcome were not significantly correlated. Timing does not make a difference in treatment outcome, nor does motivation act as a moderator.