The self-mutilative nature of severe onychophagia: A comparison with self-cutting

Author(s): Haines, J., Williams, C. L., Brain, K. L.

Journal/Book: Can J Psychiatry. 1999; 44: 260-441 Maclaren St, Ottawa, Ontario K2H 2P3, Canada. Canadian Psychiatric Assoc. 40-47.

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the psychophysiological pattern associated with severe and mild onychophagia, and to compare this pattern with that demonstrated by previous research on self-cutting. Method: Comparisons between the psychophysiological responses accompanying 3 behaviours were made using a guided imagery methodology. Imagery of nail-related, skin-cutting, and neutral events were presented in 4 stages. Results: Experiment I distinguished participants exhibiting severe and mild onychophagia by the severity and frequency of nail-biting and by the pattern of psychophysiological response across the stages. Experiment II indicated that the change in psychophysiological arousal accompanying severe onychophagia was not as dramatic as that demonstrated for skin-cutting. The behaviour seems to be less effective in reducing tension. Conclusion: Severe onychophagia appears to manage the level of tension experienced by an individual, instead of dramatically reducing it in times of crisis. Such a process is consistent with that demonstrated in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Note: Article Haines J, Univ Tasmania, Dept Psychol, GPO 252-30, Hobart, Tas 7001, AUSTRALIA

Keyword(s): severe onychophagia; mild onychophagia; skin-cutting; tension reduction; COMPETING RESPONSE; PERSONAL HABITS; MILD AVERSION; PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY; REVERSAL; BEHAVIOR

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