Compulsive nail-biting is often associated with nervousness, but according to a study from the University of Montreal, anxiety isn’t the primary driver behind this habit. Instead, perfectionism seems to be the underlying cause. Even in relaxed settings, compulsive nail-biters may be observed nibbling at their cuticles. The study, published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, suggests that perfectionism may be a key factor in body-focused compulsive habits like nail-biting and hair-twisting.
The researchers conducted their study with 48 participants, half of whom exhibited compulsive behaviors such as nail-biting and hair-twisting, while the other half served as a control group without these habits. Participants were asked to report on their emotions, including anger, guilt, boredom, anxiety, and irritability. They were then exposed to various situations designed to evoke feelings such as stress, boredom, frustration, and relaxation.
Those with compulsive habits reported a strong urge to chew their nails when faced with tasks they couldn’t complete on time or when left alone in a room for six minutes and felt bored.
Lead author Dr. Kieron O’Connor explained that individuals with these repetitive behaviors may be perfectionistic, unable to relax or perform tasks at a normal pace. Consequently, they experience frustration, impatience, and dissatisfaction when they fail to meet their goals and often endure higher levels of boredom.
To cope, individuals may set new goals, such as ensuring all nails are the same length or eliminating jagged cuticles. However, when these habits start to interfere with daily life, they can become habit disorders. Fortunately, treatment options are available. O’Connor suggests two approaches: behavioral treatment, which involves replacing the habit with competing actions, and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to tension.