TATTOOS BETWEEN SYMBOL AND ACTION: PSYCHOANALYTIC SIGNIFICANCE AND PREDICTIVE VALUE IN THE ANALYSIS OF RECIDIVISM AMONG YOUNG INMATES
TATTOOS BETWEEN SYMBOL AND ACTION: PSYCHOANALYTIC SIGNIFICANCE AND PREDICTIVE VALUE IN THE ANALYSIS OF RECIDIVISM AMONG YOUNG INMATES

Summary/Abstract: The study investigates the relationship between tattoos, personality traits and recidivism among young inmates aged 18 to 21 years from Aiud Penitentiary (N = 81). Of these, 72.8% (n = 59) had tattoos, and 72.8% were recidivists. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between the presence of tattoos and recidivism (χ² = 7.964, df = 1, p = .005; OR = 4.36, 95% CI [1.51; 12.62]). No significant differences were found in aggression and impulsivity levels between the groups. Non-parametric tests indicated significant associations between tattoos and schizotypal (p = .030) and avoidant (p = .040) personality traits, with a negative correlation in the case of the latter. The antisocial trait showed only a tendency for association (p = .085). From a psychoanalytic perspective, tattoos may function as symbolic mechanisms for identity affirmation and intrapsychic conflict regulation, reflecting narcissistic vulnerability and coping strategies in the prison environment

• Details
• Contents