Nail biting and skin picking are not merely involuntary reactions; rather, they are viewed as survival mechanisms, according to psychological analyses of everyday habits.
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There is no single clear cause of nail biting, but several theories explain the behavior. These include the idea that such behaviors begin as a way of coping with difficult emotions, boredom, or the need to keep the hands busy. The habit may also be inherited from parents, according to The Independent.
Although these behaviors may appear irrational, unhealthy, or even painful at times, Dr. Charlie Heriot-Maitland, a clinical psychologist, suggests that humans have developed what he describes as “minor harms” as a way to protect themselves.
Speaking to The Independent, Heriot-Maitland said: “By creating a mild physical sensation, the body can immediately shift its focus to the physical, which helps reduce tension and restore a sense of control.” He added: “This is still preferable to the alternative—losing control in the face of overwhelming emotions.”
His new book, Controlled Explosions in Mental Health, is divided into three main sections: self-sabotage, self-criticism, and self-harm. These traits can include everyday behaviors such as ignoring a new friend, striving for perfection, or biting one’s nails.
He explained that skin picking and nail biting are among the milder forms of self-harm that people may find easier to understand, while more serious issues such as cutting or eating disorders are considered more severe forms. The doctor expressed hope that discussing common habits—such as nail biting and skin picking—would help people better understand other forms of self-harm that are often stigmatized.
He added: “When you cause yourself pain by pulling hair, you feel immediate relief afterward, as if you are triggering the release of natural endorphins in the body.”
However, he stressed that these behaviors should not be relied upon solely for quick relief, but should also be understood as defensive mechanisms aimed at self-protection.
“The brain is a machine designed for survival,” he said. “It is not programmed to maximize happiness or well-being, but to keep us alive. It needs to live in a predictable world, dislikes surprises, and does not want us to be caught off guard.”
This protective mechanism operates on the basic principle that the brain prefers dealing with a known and controllable threat rather than facing the possibility of an unknown, uncontrollable one.
The scientific basis of this theory lies in the way the human brain evolved, focusing primarily on survival rather than happiness. The brain is innately programmed to detect danger everywhere—a trait that helped humanity endure. Today, however, this means we have become more sensitive to potential harm, whether physical or psychological.
In many cases, people who engage in habits such as nail biting may have started them early in life due to anxiety, before they gradually became learned and repetitive behaviors, according to Heriot-Maitland.
Despite the availability of practical tips to reduce nail biting, such as using specialized products, Heriot-Maitland emphasized that there are no quick or instant solutions.
Instead, he stressed the importance of understanding the psychological function of these behaviors and the underlying fears behind them, rather than merely trying to eliminate them without addressing their root causes.
Asharq Al-Awsat
