The Effectiveness of Using Extinction Techniques to Reduce Skin-Picking Behavior

Nur Najmi Jamilah; Nayla Nur Safa Septiasa Putri; Muhammad Jamaluddin

doi:10.63922/ijevss.v5i03.4117

Nur Najmi Jamilah Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang
Nayla Nur Safa Septiasa Putri Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang
Muhammad Jamaluddin Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63922/ijevss.v5i03.4117

Keywords: Skin Picking Disorder, extinction technique, operant conditioning, behavior modification, Single Subject Research.

Abstract

Skin Picking Disorder (SPD) is a repetitive behavioral disorder characterized by compulsive scratching, pinching, or picking of the skin that results in tissue damage and lesions. This behavior is often associated with difficulties in emotional regulation and is maintained through negative reinforcement, where temporary relief from psychological distress reinforces the behavior. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of extinction techniques in reducing skin-picking behavior. An experimental method with a Single Subject Research (SSR) design was employed. The participant was a female college student in early adulthood who had exhibited persistent skin-picking behavior since adolescence. The study was conducted in three phases: baseline, intervention, and follow-up, each lasting seven days. Behavioral measurements were obtained through self-monitoring under three primary triggering conditions: anxiety, boredom, and smartphone use. The intervention involved applying an extinction technique by eliminating the reinforcement that had previously maintained the behavior. The findings revealed that during the baseline phase, skin-picking behavior occurred at a high and stable frequency. Following the implementation of the extinction technique, the frequency of the behavior gradually declined across all triggering conditions. During the follow-up phase, the behavior remained at a very low level and did not return to its initial baseline frequency. These results indicate that extinction techniques are effective in reducing skin-picking behavior by disrupting the functional relationship between triggering stimuli, behavioral responses, and reinforcing consequences. The study provides empirical support for the application of operant conditioning principles in behavioral interventions and highlights the potential of extinction techniques as a focused and evidence-based approach for managing Skin Picking Disorder.

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