Aversion to personal body hair: a case study in the integration of behavioural and interpretative methods

Br J Med Psychol. 1990 Dec:63 ( Pt 4):335-40. doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8341.1990.tb01627.x.

Abstract

A case is described of intense aversion to personal body hair on the chest, legs and arms. Exposure methods of behavioural treatment were used, combined with interpretative ones. Exposure was found to facilitate self-exploration, which in turn led to the successful completion of exposure treatment. The circumstances under which exposure treatment can benefit from being combined with interpretative work are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression / psychology
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Body Image*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Gender Identity
  • Hair*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phobic Disorders / psychology
  • Phobic Disorders / therapy*
  • Psychoanalytic Interpretation*
  • Psychoanalytic Therapy / methods*
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Sexual Maturation*