Adult Pacifier Trend Gains Popularity on TikTok as Stress Relief Tool
A growing number of adults are turning to adult‑size pacifiers as a way to manage anxiety, stress, insomnia, or even to help quit smoking. The trend, which has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok, is being described by users as a comforting link to childhood.
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Many participants claim that sucking on oversized pacifiers helps calm nerves, provides a sense of security, and creates a ritual that soothes restlessness or anxiety. Some use them while watching TV, working from home, or preparing for sleep, citing the familiar sensation as a grounding mechanism.
Psychologists say the appeal lies in the sensory comfort associated with early life, offering a non-harmful coping mechanism in moderation. However, experts caution that prolonged use may lead to jaw strain, dental issues, and could potentially mask deeper emotional challenges that require attention.
“As a short-term tool, it may provide some relief, but relying on it regularly without addressing underlying stressors can be problematic,” says Dr. Emily Harris, a clinical psychologist.
Despite warnings, videos of adults showing off their pacifiers continue to go viral, with hashtags trending across TikTok, Instagram, and other social platforms, highlighting how unconventional methods of stress relief are capturing the imagination of a digital audience seeking comfort in unusual ways.
The trend underscores a larger cultural shift where adults are openly experimenting with nostalgic coping strategies, even if they raise eyebrows among traditionalists.
Adult Pacifier Trend Gains Popularity on TikTok as Stress Relief Tool