What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about somebody biting their nails? More than likely, you feel as if they are anxious or nervous and you may even wonder if they have an anxiety disorder. This is all an assumption, but it is based on our perception of what we see in the world around us. To the casual observer, it does look like a nervous tic that somebody does when they are overwhelmed with life.
Science, however, has something to say about the habit and it might surprise you. As a matter of fact, there is more to this simple habit than what might meet the eye. This particular trait has been linked to nailbiters and when you hear about it, it might just take you by surprise. At the very least, it’s going to be something you weren’t expecting.
When you bite your nails, it really isn’t bad for your health. There may be some problems if the bites are bleeding or untreated because infections can occur. Ultimately, however, it is a result of social stress that nailbiting seems like a bad habit. Studies have shown that up to 30% of the population chronically bite their nails. More women than men also have this habit. It can trigger self-esteem issues and nervousness, primarily out of embarrassment.
The habit is addictive and most people find it difficult to stop once they start. The calming effect on the nervous system is scientifically proven from those who bite nails and it can provide an outlet for anxiety. In a way, your perception of nailbiting is correct but there’s something else that goes on behind the scenes.
There may be a wide variety of reasons why somebody bites their nails and it does vary from one person to another. Some of them may do it because they saw their parents or a sibling do it and others do it to stay alert while they are bored. There are even some who claim it is genetically inherited or a way of harming oneself. The most recent reason that is added to the mix, however, is perfectionism.
According to a study published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, biting your nails may indicate that you are a perfectionist. It is thought that it may be a frustrated reaction to being imperfect.
The frustrations that you may be feeling are real, such as irritations at work, fighting with your partner or being overweight and those may cause many of the frustrations. When you get right down to it, it is our need to accomplish goals and our failure to do so that drives many of us.
Perfectionists are people who like to get things done and they have a drive which points them in that direction. When things don’t go properly or as they are plan, however, or if they are bored, they may look for some relief from that frustration. That is when this anxious habit may rear its head and they end up biting their nails.
The author of the study, Dr. Kieron O’Connor, sums up this behavior perfectly:
“We believe that individuals with these repetitive behaviors may be perfectionistic, meaning that they are unable to relax and to perform tasks at a normal pace,” Dr. O’Connor says in the research. “They are therefore prone to frustration, impatience, and dissatisfaction when they do not reach their goals.”
Nailbiter’s may just need to come to the realization that they are a perfectionist. Yes, it is a hard habit to kick but there are ways to stop the urges and overcome it once and for all. You may find that journaling or perhaps doing something creative helps you to overcome the habit.
Quitting this habit is something that is an ongoing process. Don’t be ashamed to get some help if necessary. It is possible to overcome but until then, realise that it may just be a matter of perfectionism.
H/T: Tip Hero
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