Introduction
It is worth noting that behavior is a predominant aspect in human life. It helps in describing the manner in which people perform tasks and behave in regard to different life situations. However, behavior is very significant in three major facets which include assessment, prediction and purpose of a particular behavior as depicted by an individual. This brief overview with therefore evaluate nail biting otherwise known onychophagia as a personal behavior that occurs quite frequently especially when I am stressed up, in panic, anxious of unsure about a particular issue or event.
There are various instances when I have found myself biting my nails. It is essential to note that nail biting encompasses biting soft tissue around the nails, the nail itself and the cuticles thereby causing damaging (Veague & Levitt, 2008). This behavior happens when I am pre-occupied with certain issues such as stress, panic anxiety and confusion. Additionally, the behavior also takes place in times of idleness and boredom (Veague & Levitt, 2008). . It is important to note that this behavior takes places through unconscious mind because in most occurrences I usually find myself biting my nails without knowing it. At times I realize that I have been biting my nails after I have experienced the effects or when I am told by people especially my family members to stop doing it.
It is interesting to note that the same people who always tell me to stop this habit are key factors that contribute to this behavior in the sense some of the situations that trigger this particular behavior are prompted by them. This behavior is usually reinforced by, panic stress, confusing and anxious occasions which are as a result of family issues, children, and school work to mention but a few. Occurrences such as family sicknesses, school activities such as exams are the major antecedents and motivators of the behavior (Hart &Weber, 2005).
I must admit that it is hard to identify this particular behavior personally because without knowing it, I usually find myself doing it. However, the aftermath of the behavior as well as sentiments from my family members are the most predominant aspects that have helped me in identifying this behavior. I have come to realize that this behavior offers a sense of relief and stability of the mind. It also helps me in overcoming the particular issue that I am going through. Biting nails make me experience an emotional fulfillment, I become less stressed, confused and anxious, I gain the control of the situation that is disturbing me and most notably, the behavior help me in relieving effects of stress, panic, confusion and anxiety (Hart &Weber, 2005).
Nevertheless, I must acknowledge that the behavior does not start from nowhere, neither does it occur drastically. Particularly, this behavior follows a meticulous pattern that begins with deep thoughts and when in search of an answer to the stressing or confusing issues, this is when the behavior surfaces. With no issues or stress disturbing me, the behavior is usually absent.
Conclusion
Having evaluated and identified the behavior of nail biting upon dreadful, stressful, confusing and anxious situations, I have recognized a positive strategy through which I can manage this behavior. Taking a deep breath, relaxing my mind whenever I am faced with stressful occasions such family conflicts, illnesses, and hard, confusing and thoughtful times in school and at home help a lot in preventing the behavior of nail biting (Rudolph & Henderson, 2004). Other strategies include rational thinking, talking out the problems and issues I am going through to my friends and family members, listening to consoling music and getting more organized. Talking out the problems helps in blending negative thoughts with positive thoughts thereby reducing anxiety, panic, stress and confusion (Rudolph & Henderson, 2004). The aforementioned stress management methods as well as some physical barriers such as nail trimming, nail painting and substitute activities such singing, reading, listening to music, watching television has helps me a great deal in changing this behavior.
References
Hart, A., & Weber, C.(2005). Stressed or depressed: A practical and inspirational guide for
parents of hurting teens: London: Thomas Nelson Inc
Rudolph, L. & Henderson, D. (2004). Behavioral Counseling. In Counseling children (pp.235-
264). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole-Thomson Learning
Veague, H., & Levitt, P.(2008). Cutting and self-harm. New York: InfoBase Publishing
