Who would have thought that there is something completely different behind nail biting than most people think? For many, nail biting means a lack of resistance to stress, but recent research has confirmed that this is not the only reason, as the reason for this habit is also hidden somewhere else.
dr. Kieron O'Connor is Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Montreal. He exposed the survey respondents to various situations in which they also appeared feelings of boredom, stress, frustration and relaxation. The research showed that the interviewees did not bite their nails only when they were stressed and wanted to relax in this way.
Therefore, scientists took a closer look at people's habits and found that people who bite their nails also tend to perfectionism. They are mostly unable to relax and perform tasks at a normal pace. To compensate for this inability, they bite their nails to direct their focus and energy into productive channels. This helps them deal with boredom and frustration due to their inability to influence certain situations.
At first glance, perfectionism may sound like a positive trait, but it also has its dangers. Although perfectionists are very precise and focused, this can lead to burnout. So if you're prone to biting your nails, congratulations. This does not mean that you cannot cope with stress. It's much more likely that it's just perfectionism.
Of course, he also has nail biting health consequences - damage to nails, cuticles. Biting your nails can increase the risk of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Biting also leads to damage to tooth enamel. So the next time you find yourself with your fingers in your mouth, think twice!
