Pathological skin picking (PSP) is conceptualized as a behavioral addiction. Research has shown that behavioral addictions (e.g., problematic alcoholism or smoking) can be reduced using a cognitive retraining tool called approach-avoidance training (AAT). Participants will be randomly assigned to a single-session of AAT: (a) approach training, (b) avoidance training, or (c) placebo training and will be assessed at baseline, post-training (i.e., 30 minutes after training), and 2-week follow up. The investigators hypothesize that those in the approach training will show greater reduction in approach tendencies at post-treatment and 2-week follow up, compared to those in the approach training or placebo conditions. This study may produce data that will guide the development of a training program that focuses on the maladaptive action tendencies in skin picking symptoms.
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Changes in Behavioral Approach Tendency After a Single Training Session
Timeframe: Pre-training, Post-training (30-minutes after training)