I've done some research, but I just want to know... what do people really think about thumb sucking in adults?

Answer 1

In early childhood, babies tend to replace a mother's breast with their thumb. Breast feeding represents a profound communication and closeness to the mother, it is what unifies them. Usually a child will do this to get back that feeling, because it will relax and calm them down. Thumb sucking is not something healthy in children, and even less for adults.

According to Freud, adults will "pick" one of the childhood phases, and they will manifest through different "symptoms". Thumb sucking is obviously a regression to the oral phase, and in adults it's usually represented by people who smoke a lot, drink, eat, enjoy candies etc.

Although in adults, thumb sucking is a way to relieve stress and need of comfort, it means that the individual keeps regressing to that early stage of childhood, and was not able to overcome that stage. Besides the fact that it's not healthy for the teeth and jaws, people who have this condition should see a psychologist to help them aknowledge and understand their situation, as well as guiding them in to getting over that stage of the childhood.

Answer 2

I'm not so sure that this should be such a big deal. We all have our strange idiosyncrasies. I have my own. I fold my dirty clothes. I can't stand seeing a pile of dirty clothes. They look so much neater in the dirty cloths hamper. It's not a thing I can quit doing. I threw my dress in the hamper and tried my best just to leave it that way till wash day. My mind was continually on the fact that I didn't fold the dress. I was actually in a turmoil that I can't describe. At the end of the third day I folded it. I have to fold my candy wrappers too. I don't know who you are referring to or how old this adult is but I say just have the control not to do it in public. What the heck . . . .who cares what a person does in privacy as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. I'm seventy one and I still have to fold and I'm a neat and clean freak. I accept the teasing that comes with it. No bodies business.

Answer 3

If you listen to Freud, that person is stuck in the "oral" phase of development.

In general society, it's looked down on (with good reason - it's seen as "childish" and something to be grown out of), and this is something to be reckoned with.

However, the biggest concrete concern is the fact that thumb-sucking can cause your teeth to come out of alignment and cost you serious money in dental work.

If at all possible, it should be avoided.

Answer 4

I think it sucks -- big time :)

But seriously, I think it would probably wreak havoc with their teeth and cause an overbite or something :)

Answer 5

Never put your fingers in your mouth,,its a dirty thing to do,,there is much bacteria even though you wash your hands.

Answer 6

I think it is a sign of pre-verbal trauma.

Answer 7

it looks bad

Answer 8

It's infantile....

Answer 9

hmmmmmmm.......i reckon it sucks!!