Exploring the Psychological Profile and Well-Being of Nail-Biting Adolescents: A Case Study

Nail-biting (NB), also known as onychophagia, is a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) that causes damage to the nail by putting, pulling, biting, or chewing the fingernails or fingertips. Nail-biting is a problem commonly found in children, adolescents, and some young adults. It is acted by an individual when a built-up tension needs to be released. Individuals who bite their nails feel a sense of relief and satisfaction after the behavior is done. It is often observed when the individual is either stressed, pressured, nervous, frustrated, embarrassed, shy, hungry, or bored on other occasions. This study explored the psychological profile of individuals currently engaging in NB, and the impact of NB on the individual’s well-being. The study used a qualitative-narrative approach. The researcher used a purposive sampling method to find the participants of the study. The chosen participants were three (3) adolescent students from a private university in Lucena City. The data was gathered using a semi-structured, self-made questionnaire that was based on the study’s objectives and literature. The interview was conducted in a face-to-face setting, as well as the standardized tests regarding the anxiety and stress level, and personality of the individuals. Results showed that NB is caused by various factors depending on the history, underlying causes, anxiety and stress level, as well as the participant’s personality.