Hair-pulling disorder (Trichotillomania) : the lived experiences of Maltese sufferers

Abstract

Trichotillomania involves the recurrent pulling out of one's own hair for pleasure, gratification or release of tension. This study utilises a qualitative approach to explore the effects that Trichotillomania has on the lived experiences of Maltese sufferers. The sample consisted of 5 Maltese individuals (4 females and 1 male) who have suffered from Trichotillomania. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse the data obtained through semi-structured interviews. From the results, one could deduce that Trichotillomania is a complex disorder and can be experienced in different ways. Moreover, the results show that the relationships that the participants had with significant people had a particular role in the overall experience. The lack of public awareness was another prominent theme that emerged from the data.