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For years, nail-biting has been considered a sure sign of a nervous and anxious temperament. However, according to a new study, this and other repetitive, body-focused behaviors could be signs of something quite different.
The study, published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry (JBTEP), claims that nail-biting can be an indicator of perfectionism.
“We believe that individuals with these repetitive behaviors may be perfectionists, meaning they are unable to relax and perform their tasks at a normal pace. They are, therefore, prone to frustration, impatience, and dissatisfaction when they fail to achieve their goals ,” says Dr. Kieron O’Connor, author of the study.
The study consisted of 48 participants with repetitive habits, such as nail biting, who had to answer a series of questions to determine their organizational behavior and emotional regulation.
People who bite their nails were identified as organizational perfectionists, a personality type characterized by a tendency to make detailed plans and overload themselves with work, often becoming frustrated by a lack of activity. Nail biting and other similar repetitive behaviors are simply a way of releasing that pent-up energy.
Nail biting might seem harmless, but it can actually lead to infections and long-term damage, such as weakened teeth and deformed nails. These risks, along with the commonality of the habit, have made nail biting a leading area of focus for psychotherapists working with their patients.