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People usually say that nail-biting is a sign of nervousness or embarrassment. Recent studies, however, show that the reason is completely different.
Study
According to a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, nail-biting may be a sign of perfectionism. Dr. Kieron O’Connor says:
“We believe that individuals with this obsession may be perfectionists — that means they are unable to relax or act at a normal pace.” As a result, they are prone to frustration, impatience and disappointment when they don’t reach their intended goal.
The result is that people who bite their nails are not trying to calm their nerves at all.
Researchers studied 48 people, half of whom were prone to body-focused repetitive behaviors. Participants were asked to complete an appropriately designed questionnaire that examines their level of organization and emotion regulation mechanisms.
Nail-biting was classified as organizational perfectionism
They were people with a tendency to make detailed plans and to be workaholics. Nail-biting and other similar behaviors are a way to get rid of their energy. Nail-biting may seem harmless, but the long-term effects are very unpleasant. This habit can lead to the development of infections, weakening of the teeth and even deformation of the nail plate.
These threats, together with the spread of this phenomenon, make nail-biting a very interesting problem for psychotherapists around the world.
Do you bite your nails, but are you a perfectionist?
- You think in “all or nothing” terms. You see the world in black and white.
- You are hard on yourself.
- You get nervous when you don’t achieve your goal.
- Even when you succeed, you are not satisfied with yourself.
- You are unable to start new ventures until the “perfect moment”.
