Do you have a nasty habit that cannot be controlled? Biting on pens and chewing gum constantly can ultimately be the result of a fixation that you are unaware of.
Those are just a few examples of fixations, which are described as strong attachments or habits that involve certain actions or objects. Sigmund Freud, one of the most well-respected forefathers of psychology, developed this concept.
Fixations are not usually dangerous, unless their obsession can be used as a weapon. For instance, on September 24, Eric Guillot of Pierre Part sought the help of a Fee Collections employee to inquire about outstanding parking tickets he owed to the university.
His temperment was soon enraged, and he began to threaten Nicholls employees, including campus police, with his set of keys. Afterwards, he made multiple references to keys and even drew a key on a letter that he intended to give a teacher before being confiscated.
It is unknown as to why his obsession with keys exists, but this is just one example of how bizarre this type of psychological fanaticism can become.
Some fixations originate as a result of neglect or pampering from those around them.  Most items or habits develop into a necessity because they are needed to alleviate stress or an uncomfortable situation, according to Stacy Guidry, the assistant director of the Counseling Center.
Guidry says fixations in essence are not a problem, but the intensity of the obsession can cause problems.
“I do not think it is abnormal for individuals to have fixations,” Guidry said. “It is the degree of the situation that indicates if the situation will become problematic.”
Freud believed that as children, we develop in stages and strive to gradually progress to the next level.  This may be true, but it is also possible for people to develop these types of obsessions to a specific item or action later in life.
According to Dr. Monique Boudreaux, professor of psychology, smoking is an example of how childhood tendencies can play a large role in adulthood.
Though cigarettes are induced with nicotine, an addictive substance, some people continue to smoke because it satisfies their craving to keep their mouth active. Those who chew gum, pens, or even their nails might also fall under this category.
Bodily functions are not the only types of fixations that can occur. Attachments to certain items such as a childhood blanket or toy can develop, thus leading to a dependence on that object later in life. It is not uncommon for people well after their adolescence to sleep with their childhood teddy bear.
Studies show ties between toilet training of young children to a certain behavior later in life. According to scientists, when some people experience a harsh, strict upbringing as children, especially in regard to toilet training, those people have shown to grow up and possess certain traits.
Some of these traits are hatred of messy places, obsessing over cleanliness, a need for punctuality and respect for authority. These adults have also been known to be stubborn and very careful with their money. On the contrary, children who are given too much freedom as adolescents have shown signs of messiness, rebellion and lack of consideration for others’ feelings
Boudreaux agrees that parents play a huge role in their children’s lives and ultimately impact whom they will be and how they will act.
“If a parent allows their child to suck on a pacifier for too long, their children might grow up with an oral fixation,” Boudreaux said. “That incident can influence those kids to grow up biting their finger nails, overeating and chewing on ice. According to Freud, people who received too much or not enough attention during the anal stage, between one and three years old, fight a power struggle with their parents that can ultimately lead to conflict.”
In terms of a college campus, there is a broad range of fixations that members of the student body might have. Students, whether it is their laptop or their cell phone, are obsessed with their technology. Though computers and the Internet are essential tools for the success of any college student, some pupils cannot live without their electronic devices, depending on them for constant entertainment.