Cue-Controlled Relaxation in Reduction of Chronic Nervous Habits

Abstract

The present paper documents two case studies in which cue-controlled relaxation was used in the reduction of chronic nailbiting by 2 adults. Results indicated substantial increases in nail-length and decreases in the frequency of habit at post-treatment and follow-up assessments. Successful application of the cue-controlled technique to situations unrelated to nailbiting was also reported. A description of the cue-controlled procedure, its potential as a self-control technique, and recommendations for future research are discussed.