What is the function of nail biting: an analog assessment study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the frequency of nail biting in 4 settings (interventions) designed to elicit the functions of nail biting and to compare the results with a self-report questionnaire about the functions of nail biting.


METHODS
Randomised allocation of participants to order of conditions.


METHODS
University Psychology Department.


METHODS
Forty undergraduates who reported biting their nails.


METHODS
Left alone (boredom), solving maths problems (frustration), reprimanded for nail biting (contingent attention), continuous conversation (noncontingent attention).


METHODS
Number of times the undergraduates bit their nails.


RESULTS
Nail biting occurred most often in two conditions, boredom and frustration.


CONCLUSIONS
Nail biting in young adults occurs as a result of boredom or working on difficult problems, which may reflect a particular emotional state. It occurs least often when people are engaged in social interaction or when they are reprimanded for the behavior.
Williams
Tim Ivor
TI
School of Psychology, University of Reading and Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Earley Gate, Reading RG6 6AL, UK. sxswiams@rdg.ac.uk
Rose
Rebecca
R
Chisholm
Sarah
S
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D001887:Boredom; D005639:Frustration; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D009259:Nail Biting / Q000523:psychology*; D011340:Problem Solving; D011594:Psychometrics; D012647:Self-Assessment