why do people bite their nails

People bite their nails primarily as a response to emotional and psychological triggers. Common reasons include stress, anxiety, boredom, frustration, impatience, and moments requiring concentration. Nail biting is often an automatic or absentminded behavior that helps some people regulate or relieve their emotions temporarily. It is usually developed in childhood and can persist into adulthood, sometimes linked with psychological conditions such as ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorders, and others. Additionally, the habit may provide a small moment of pleasure or act as a way to keep nails short. The behavior can also be seen as a body-focused repetitive behavior and may be learned through imitation or family patterns. Overall, nail biting serves as a coping mechanism for managing emotional states or an automatic habit in unstimulating situations.