BITE CONSTELLATION
BITE CONSTELLATION
Biological conflict: a bite conflict, experienced as not being able to “bite” an opponent because the individual is in a weaker position.
The Bite Constellation presents as compulsive nail biting, or onychophagia (compare with motor tics and obsessive skin picking). In the DSM-5, nail biting is classified as an “obessive-compulsive disorder”. The purpose of the compulsion is to compensate for the inability to “bite” or “snap” an opponent or to defend oneself verbally. Typically, the nail biting is triggered through setting on a conflict track (a certain situation or the encounter with a person who was involved when the conflicts first occurred). Stress exacerbates the behavior. With intense conflict activity or a strong track, the nail biting becomes excessive.
Given the nature of the bite conflict (being in a weaker position vis-à-vis a parent, an older sibling, teacher, schoolmate, a growing resistance against authorities), it should not come as a surprise that compulsive nail biting is more common in children and adolescents.
|