Publication Date

2023

Document Type

Book

Description

Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) are self-destructive habits that individuals perform to feel satisfaction. Some common examples include hair twirling, nail biting, and teeth grinding. The limited information surrounding BFRBs as well as the physical harm and stress they can cause makes the disorder an important one to address. I analyze cases of individuals with BFRBs within the health and behavioral sciences, as well as studies on the impact of a rewards system on habitual actions, to determine whether implementing a “rewards system” would produce success in minimizing the frequency of BFRB engagement. The rewards system approach entails giving individuals with BFRBs some intrinsic or extrinsic reward for going a certain amount of time without engaging in their behavior. The overall findings suggest that the rewards system approach with modifications could see finite success in the treatment of BFRBs; however, more research is necessary to determine the long-term effects of this method.

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What are the Effects of Implementing a Rewards System on Individuals with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors?
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