Story perspectives

Boredom and tiredness predict hair-pulling in trichotillomania

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Christina Gallinat and colleagues at Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany found boredom and tiredness predict hair-pulling in trichotillomania than negative emotions.
Earlier urges predicted pulling at the next check-in; boredom forecasted later episodes and tiredness forecasted increased urges.
Concurrent data linked urge intensity and boredom to immediate pulling and positive emotions to lower urges.
The EMA study surveyed 61 adults with trichotillomania seven times daily for ten days on smartphone.

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Story summary

Christina Gallinat and colleagues at Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany found boredom and tiredness predict hair-pulling in trichotillomania than negative emotions.
Earlier urges predicted pulling at the next check-in; boredom forecasted later episodes and tiredness forecasted increased urges.
Concurrent data linked urge intensity and boredom to immediate pulling and positive emotions to lower urges.
The EMA study surveyed 61 adults with trichotillomania seven times daily for ten days on smartphone.