While writing an important essay or listing notes during a work meeting, you’ve probably found yourself chewing the end of your pen.
It’s a common habit that loads of people do, usually subconsciously without even realising – but have you ever thought about why?
Psychologist explains why we chew pens
We spoke to clinical psychologist Dr. Paul Losoff, who told The Focus he views pen chewing from two different perspectives.
First, he said it’s a “form of stimulation” which boosts your focus, helping you to concentrate on the thing you’re working on.
“It also can be a form of self-soothing which could help the mind relax a bit, in turn, channelling more energy to the task at hand,” he continued.
Pen chewing helps to alleviate anxiety and clear your mind during stressful situations, hence why we do it while concentrating.
It’s also a fidgeting behavior that’s subconsciously done when people are bored, giving the brain something to do.
In every situation there’s nothing significant about the pen itself, it’s just a soft, chewable object that happens to be in your hand at that time.
It’s also a sensory seeking behavior
Helen Neale, a qualified therapeutic counsellor, said she has ADHD and the movement does “help her concentrate”. However, as someone with sensory issues, she also uses pen chewing as a “sensory-seeking behavior”.
Activity that stimulates a person’s sense of touch, smell, taste, sight, movement, and hearing, can be comforting or satisfying for some individuals. For example those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or autism.
SPD affects the way the brain processes information from the senses, increasing or decreasing sensitivity to things like light, sound, taste and touch. In response, people with the condition often seek out sensory stimulation.
Chewing the end of a pen provides oral stimulation to those with sensory needs related to touch, helping to soothe and calm them down.
“So, it doesn’t just help with concentration, it also helps with alleviating stress and anxiety too,” Neale continued. “I have been told off throughout my life for chewing various things, from pens, to my nails – and now I have a stimming toy to help so I can concentrate without damage to my stationery.”
Stim toys are objects designed to provide sensory stimulation and help regulate the nervous system. They are used to release excess energy, reduce anxiety and increase focus.
Dr. Paul Losoff is a clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience. He founded Bedrock Psychology Group, which provides exceptional mental health services to people in the greater Chicago area.
