Researchers found the psychological cause of eating nails

Are you somebody eating your nails all day? If so, you certainly have many friends. It is estimated that about a third of adults continue to bite their fingernails.

Have you ever considered the psychology behind the bite? Most people view the act as a sign of nervousness and anxiety.

On the surface, this view makes sense... but may not tell the whole story. According to a study published in the Experimental Psychiatry Journal, finger bite can be a sign of... Perfectionism.

In this article, we will briefly discuss study and implications for finger biters. We'll also talk about nail bites from a health perspective.

Study and Perfectionism

The lead author of the study, Dr. Kieron OʹConnor stated that individuals with these repeated behaviors can be perfectionists - they are unable to rest and perform tasks at a normal pace. Hence, they are prone to be disappointed, without patience, and are dissatisfied with their goals.

In other words, finger bites may have less to do with nerves and anxiety than disappointment. This observation, along with the demonstration of the study, shows the bond of nail bites and other perfectionistic features: impatience, frustration, and discontent, provide further evidence of the idea that perfectionism can cause the act of nail bites.

Finger biting and Health

As the study makes clear, fingernail bite is considered a repeated body - centered behavior a classification reaffirmed by most of the medical community. Every BFRD-related behavior is harmful to health, and fingernail bite is no exception.

According to We bMD, “Among physical problems related to finger bite:

• Pain and frying of nails and boxes
• Bloodbath and possible finger infection around the skin
• Increase in sensitivity to bacteria, infections, and viruses (through thumb contact)
• Tooth Declining
• Broken Teeth
• Give a poor impression (with nails bitten in front of others)

Psychologically, the WebMD associates nail bites with anxiety and stress; although potentially it can show a more serious psychological problem such as the Obsessiv-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Similarly, perfectionism is considered a risk factor for OCD.

Finger bite is a common but not healthy habit, a habit fueled by counterproductive emotions and (possibly psychological problems).

Although being “diagnosed” as a perfectionist can significantly create a feeling of pride, it is an extremely unhealthy state of mind. Studies have linked the personality trait of perfectionism to psychological moral issues: personality disorders, eating disorders, social anxiety, social fobi, body dysmorphic disorder, self-injury, substance abuse and clinical depression.

Perfecters can also develop chronic stress disorders and are at an increased risk of developing heart problems.

The relationship between finger bite and perfectionism is that it requires further investigation, and rightly so. The study consisted of a relatively small pattern of individuals, although the corruption reported between perfectionist traits and finger bites is true.