Why some people bite their nails?

1 Aggression toward themselves

Some theories say people bite their nails due to the fact that they bear inward aggression towards themselves. It may also be a form of self-mutilation.

2 A habit since childhood

Some theories suggest that nail-biting has become a habit since children grow up putting things in their mouths, and sometimes their fingers.

3 Stress, hunger or boredom

Some people bite their nails when they're anxious, stressed, bored or hungry.

4 Associated with OCD

In 2012, the American Psychiatric Association linked nail-biting to obsessive compulsive disorder.

5 A sign of perfectionism

A study has found that nail-biters tend to be perfectionists who take out their frustration or stress on their nails.

6 A learned behavior

Nail-biting may sometimes be a formed habit due to being exposed to it in families.

7 An instinctual habit

Some people believe that nail-biting is an instinct passed down to us from our early ancestors. Thus, some people resort to it when they're in need of relief.