The effects of severity and causal explanation on social perceptions of hair loss

Abstract

Trichotillomania (TTM) is associated with stigma and negative social perceptions. Disclosing one’s condition has reduced stigma in several conditions; but not in TTM. The role of severity, causal explanation, and familiarity with TTM on social perceptions of hair loss was examined. Undergraduates (N=290), randomly assigned to conditions varying by causal explanation (i.e., vignettes describing TTM, a genetic condition, or no explanation of cause) and severity of hair loss (i.e., photographs depicting mild, moderate, and severe loss), provided their social perceptions of female disclosure. Disclosure of TTM was rated more negatively than nondisclosure. Severe hair loss was associated with greater negative perceptions than mild hair loss. TTM as an explanation was perceived more negatively than a genetic explanation. When hair loss was mild or moderate, TTM as an explanation was rated most negatively. When hair loss was severe, a TTM explanation and non-explanations yielded more negative perceptions. Familiarity with TTM was associated with higher acceptability. Results suggest when TTM disclosure may be beneficial.