Nail biting is a learned behavior, and can lead to various destructive consequences the longer it is pursued. Just like any self-gratifying behavior and habit, nail biting will reinforces itself the longer it is pursued. When young children develop a nail biting habit, it may be easier to stop or prevent in the long run if the correct measures are taken. Learning how to manage stress is a part of the process to stop nail biting in its tracks, but this can take time to adopt, learn and accept into a person’s lifestyle.

Learning how to stop nail biting essentially means learning how to manage stress and anxiety effectively. Triggering events for nail biting or nervous habits often involve high levels of stress, uncomfortable anxiety, or fear about something or someone. The natural stress response is normal, but the effects on anxiety and fear cause people to turn to something comforting or pursue an activity that provides relief.

Nail biting can be an instant anxiety-reducer for many people. It can help them do something comforting while they resolve their fear or anxiety, but will likely appear again once the stress is introduced in another way. This is why nail biting is a self-reinforcing behavior.

Stopping nail biting may be difficult, but it can be learned and accommodated for after a period of time, patience, and increasing self-awareness. Many nail biters are unconscious of the fact of how much they do it. This can lead to many health problems and poorly maintained hands, so the sooner that they can build some self-awareness, the higher the chances of stopping. Various ways to start may include self-hypnosis, applying bitter-tasting creams to the hands, and learning new stress or anxiety coping skills. It’ important to learn new, healthy habits that replace old behaviors first; this can help challenge stress more effectively, and reduce the chances of turning back to the old ways.

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