Personality Stability, Perceived Self-Efficacy, and Artificial Body Modification: A Longitudinal Study with an Intention-to-Treat Control Group
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47606/ACVEN/MV0346Keywords:
Body Modification, Artificial, Tattooing, Personality Traits, Self Efficacy, Allostatic Load, Intention to Treat AnalysisAbstract
Background: Artificial body modification is frequently justified as a mechanism for identity reaffirmation, yet its longitudinal psychopathological impact remains diffuse. Objective: To evaluate the structural stability of personality and perceived self-efficacy in individuals undergoing body modifications compared to an Intention-to-Treat Control Group (ICG). Method: A sequential-explanatory mixed-method longitudinal design (t1 and t_2, 12-month follow-up) was implemented with an effective sample of 150 participants (Experimental Group, n=78; ICG, n=72). The Salamanca Screening Test, the General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale (GPSE), and a semi-structured interview were administered. Results: Following a homogeneous sample attrition of 10 subjects due to outdated contact information, the post-test revealed that the modified group retained antisocial and narcissistic traits (61.5%) and exacerbated avoidant (69.2%) and anankastic (74.4%) indicators, sustaining a chronic self-efficacy deficit (60.2%). Conversely, the ICG showed an adaptive reduction in avoidant traits (11.1%) and high self-efficacy (68.1%). Qualitative findings confirmed that tattooing operates as a somatic displacement in response to allostatic load. Conclusion: Body modification functions as a peripheral defensive buffer but does not constitute an effective mechanism for cognitive restructuring or internal maturation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Holguer Estuardo Romero Urrea, Alex Andrés Cuzco Peñafiel , Paula Belén Portilla Arellano , Diana Carolina Palacios Tandazo , Raissa Carolina Miranda Garibaldi , Grecia Elizabeth Encalada Campos
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