An evaluation of the social support component of simplified habit reversal

This study examined the role that the social support component of simplified habit reversal (SHR) plays in the treatment of body-focused repetitive behavior disorders (nail biting) in college-aged individuals. This study compared 2 versions of the SHR procedure, the first consisting of awareness training, competing response training, and social support, and the second consisting only of awareness and competing response training. Forty participants were recruited and randomly assigned to one of the two treatment conditions. Participants were assessed at baseline, posttreatment, and at 1-month follow-up. Results indicated that both conditions produced significant decreases in nail biting and increases in nail length from baseline to posttreatment and from posttreatment to follow-up, but no significant differences were found between the conditions. Limitations and areas for future research are discussed.