THE ROLE OF BODILY MODIFICATIONS IN SELF-PERCEPTION OF APPEARANCE IN GIRLS AND BOYS

Volobuev Vakhtang Vyacheslavovich, Bogrova Kristina Borisovna, Takhtarova Maria Alexandrovna

The aim of the study is to investigate the role of bodily modifications in the perception of their own appearance by girls and boys. To solve the research goal, we used methods of theoretical and empirical data collection, in particular, the methodology of O. Wooley and S. Roll “Color cues on dissatisfaction with one's own body” in the adaptation of V. Vooley and S. Roll. Roll's method “Color cues for dissatisfaction with one's own body” adapted by V.G. Sakharova. The sample of subjects consisted of 160 respondents aged 17 to 20 years old. In the course of theoretical analysis the following postulates were formulated: there is ambiguity in the use of scientific terminology in relation to body modifications; body modifications include tattoos, piercing, scarring, special hairstyles and so on. The implemented empirical research allowed to reveal differences in self-perception of appearance between persons with and without modifications. Bodymodified representatives of the sample have a more positive attitude to their own appearance. Also differentiation by gender within each subgroup allowed to reveal the peculiarities of self-relationship to their physical appearance in girls and boys. The study showed that bodily modifications play the most significant role in the perception of one's physical appearance for young men: the most positive evaluations were obtained in male representatives with body modifications and the most negative - in young men without them. The results obtained in the course of the study can be applied in the development of psychologically corrective programs to optimize the attitude of young people to themselves and their appearance.

Keywords:bodily modifications, bodymodifications, self-perception, appearance, young people