Nail biting and mineral deficiency among children

The paper is a report of a study examining the views of parents and health professionals on children's nail biting in terms of social, psychological and clinical dimensions; and to investigate the relationship between nail biting and mineral deficiency. It attempted to identify: the views of health professionals and parents of children's nail-biting on: a) possible causes of nail-biting (with some reference to mineral imbalances); and b) associated health issues of nail biting; and the treatment of nail biting. implications and recommendations for parents and health professionals in dealing with children with nail biting problems. A mixed methodology was employed in the study. Quantitative and qualitative methods included surveys and in-depth interviews with health professionals and parents of nail biting children. A snowball recruitment method was used, starting with a few parents and health professionals of the researcher's professional network who agreed to distribute the information sheets amongst their network of parents and health professionals in Tasmania. Based on some theoretical assumptions and explanations, it is anticipated that the most probable cause of nail biting in children is mineral imbalance. Co-occurring symptoms and health issues with nail biting were examined. The implications of the findings of this research is directed towards the development of both effective and long-lasting treatments and prevention strategies.