Do you bite your nails? It tells THIS shocking thing about your personality
TNN | Nov 5, 2018, 17:04 IST
One of the most common habits that people exhibit when they are nervous is biting their nails fervently. We all know someone who gnaws at their nails, so much that sometimes we get worried if they are going to chew off their entire nail bed.
While this habit is certainly annoying and most people associate it with nervous tics, a new research suggests otherwise.
Yes, according to a study published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychology, there is more to this habit than just sheer nervousness. The research suggests that those who bite their nails are more likely to be perfectionists.
The lead author of the study, Kieron O'Connor, further explained that as perfectionists are known to express dissatisfaction and frustration, if they are not able to reach their goals. She further stresses, “We believe that individuals with these repetitive behaviours may be perfectionistic, meaning that they are unable to relax and to perform a task at a normal pace.”
To conduct the research, 48 individuals were asked to fill out surveys. Half of the people in the group were nailbiters while the other half did not exhibit any repetitive behaviours. To get reactions from the group, different situations were designed to induce specific emotions.
Here’s what you can do to stop biting nails:
1. Cut your nails short
This one is a no-brainer. If there is nothing to chew on, you will not feel like biting your nails. Keep your nails trimmed to make sure that your urge to chew is under control.
2. Paint your nails OR get a fancy manicure
If you are going to spend a lot of money on making your nails attractive, you might think twice before chewing them off.
3. Identify your triggers
One sure shot way of reducing the chances of biting your nails is to identify the physical as well as emotional triggers. These triggers can include anxiety, stress or even boredom.
The takeaway
Being an achiever or even a perfectionist is not a bad thing, but you do need to keep a check on the unhealthy thought patterns that emerge from being a perfectionist.
While this habit is certainly annoying and most people associate it with nervous tics, a new research suggests otherwise.
Yes, according to a study published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychology, there is more to this habit than just sheer nervousness. The research suggests that those who bite their nails are more likely to be perfectionists.
The lead author of the study, Kieron O'Connor, further explained that as perfectionists are known to express dissatisfaction and frustration, if they are not able to reach their goals. She further stresses, “We believe that individuals with these repetitive behaviours may be perfectionistic, meaning that they are unable to relax and to perform a task at a normal pace.”
To conduct the research, 48 individuals were asked to fill out surveys. Half of the people in the group were nailbiters while the other half did not exhibit any repetitive behaviours. To get reactions from the group, different situations were designed to induce specific emotions.
Here’s what you can do to stop biting nails:
1. Cut your nails short
This one is a no-brainer. If there is nothing to chew on, you will not feel like biting your nails. Keep your nails trimmed to make sure that your urge to chew is under control.
2. Paint your nails OR get a fancy manicure
If you are going to spend a lot of money on making your nails attractive, you might think twice before chewing them off.
3. Identify your triggers
One sure shot way of reducing the chances of biting your nails is to identify the physical as well as emotional triggers. These triggers can include anxiety, stress or even boredom.
The takeaway
Being an achiever or even a perfectionist is not a bad thing, but you do need to keep a check on the unhealthy thought patterns that emerge from being a perfectionist.
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