TRICHOTILLOMANIA: EDUCATIONAL ISSUES

Abstract

Twenty journal articles that examined the condition trichotillomania that are included in national journal databases created for educators were reviewed by a special education teacher. The articles were classified by publication type (e.g., empirical studies, descriptive articles, guides). Fourteen of the 20 articles were empirical studies. The studies were classified by research design (quantitative or mixed methods), the participants and data sources were identified, and the findings were summarized. The author analyzed the 20 articles utilizing a modified version of the Stevick-Collaizi-Keen method to develop themes that represent the essence of the literature. The four themes that emerged from the analysis include: (a) trichotillomania demographics; (b) social behaviors associated with trichotillomania; (c) trichotillomania and the school experience; and (d) trichotillomania treatments. The themes were connected to the role of the author as a special education teacher. Finally, the author reflected upon the changes the understanding illuminated by the analysis of the literature will have on his career