The online group training provides evidence-based self-help techniques and psychoeducation on body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs; e.g., trichotillomania or excoriation disorder). In addition, participants are introduced to dysfunctional cognitions that commonly occur in co-occurring mental health conditions (e.g., depression) and may contribute to the development and maintenance of BFRBs. These concepts are presented in an engaging and interactive manner using practical exercises and everyday examples. As an extension of the online group training, participants receive digital homework assignments that are designed to facilitate the independent application of the techniques in daily life. The aim of the intervention is to reduce BFRB symptoms between the baseline assessment (T0) and the post-intervention assessment (T1). The study investigates whether self-help approaches whose efficacy has been demonstrated in numerous controlled trials are also effective when incorporated into an enhanced online group training program over an eight-week period. Participants attend the online group sessions from home via the webPRAX® videoconferencing platform provided by Healthy Projects GmbH. At baseline (T0) and immediately after the intervention (T1), BFRBs are assessed as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and quality of life.
-Presence of a body-focused repetitive behavior -Willingness to participate in the weekly online group training (8 sessions of 60 minutes each) -Willingness to complete online questionnaires (T0, T1) -Sufficient proficiency in German -Internet access and adequate technical equipment to participate in the online group training
-Current inpatient treatment -Acute suicidality -Diagnosis of a substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia
The GBS-45 (Generic Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior Scale-45; first published in the appendix of the following publication: Schmotz et al., 2023) is a transdiagnostic self-report measure assessing the presence of one or more body-focused repetitive behaviors and consists of 45 items. The difference in the total score (from T0 to T1) serves as the primary outcome measure in this study. The GBS-45 is administered at the baseline and post-intervention assessments.