What is your take on a 24 year old female still sucking her thumb?

Question

By the way, her teeth are perfect, and she doesn't do it in public.

Yes, it is comforting for her. Are there any perspectives in regards to deep rooted issues?

Has done since infancy

Answer 1

...grossssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

Answer 2

Well if it is done strictly in private and by private I mean totally alone and not in front of anybody I would guess that it is just a comfort/stress relief mechanism. Most people develop other ones out of social pressure such as sleeping, rocking, crying, etc. Generally, though there has been such a great resurgence in thumb sucking as something "sexy" and kind of "cool" amongst the youth I would generally assume it was an attention/sympathy tool unless the person had done it consistently from infanthood thru adulthood.

Answer 3

In terms of health the only thing to watch out for is teeth moving or picking up illnesses from having a dirty thumb. However, as somone who sucked their thumb until they were 17, thats pretty unlikely as long as they don't do anything stupid like touch manure witohut washing their hands.

Apart from that, its fine. It's a very comforting thing to do. It automatically makes you feel better and safer. Whenever I'm stressed, tired or upset I really regret not being able to do it anymore due to braces.

People around her may think it slightly odd, but freinds and family will accept it as normal after a while.

There's nothing wrong with sucking your thumb when you're older, it's a security blanket - some people bite their nails, play with their hair....it's just her chosen thing to do.

Answer 4

I think that it is very disturbing..

the thumb is a substitute for the mother's breast.. which is great for toddlers and such...

but I dunno, even when you say it, you automatically think it is wrong, don't you?

There's even a movie called "thumbsucker" which is about a teenage boy who.. sucks his thumb (but not in public).

If this is you or a friend, I would really try to stop. Just because if you decide to get married or something, then it will be in front of your husband or wife or whoever, and would be a bad example for your kids (if this person decided to have them).

Answer 5

I think its ok a little bit. Does "the girl" do it while sleeping? Kinda a security blanket type thing? Well i sleep with my teddy bear that my roommate made for me at build-a-bear on my birthday. It helps me sleep sometimes when i miss him or cant sleep.

Your not hurting anyone so i say go for it. As long as it puts you at ease and your ok with it then its all good!

Answer 6

Perhaps she can be redirected to substitute sucking something more "age appropriate" that would enhance her self esteem by gaining the approval of some hot men.

Answer 7

My brother is 28 and he still sucks his thumb. He used to do it more when he was younger, now he only does it when he's sleeping. Get something that would taste nasty and put it on your thumb, then when you suck on it you will taste how nasty it is and it should help you not to do it anymore.

Answer 8

Its probably something that she should eventually deal with, but I've heard of this before. Its not a major problem now, but she should probably contact a health provider about it.

Answer 9

It sounds like she has emotional issues and insecurities that she needs to deal with.
It's not crazy or anything, just abnormal in todays society. But these days, who can tell what's "normal"! lol.

Answer 10

Hey, we all have issues...hers, just a bit stranger than most.

Answer 11

needs attention, she does, not the sucking