Body Image, Autonomy, and Vaccine Hesitancy: A Psychodynamic Approach to Anti-Vaccine Individuals’ Resistance

This study examines the psychological and psychodynamic factors influencing vaccine hesitancy, focusing on body image and emotional processing. A cross-sectional observa-tional design was used. Participants from five European countries completed the Body Image and Schema Test (BIST). ANOVA analyses compared cognitive, affective, and be-havioral traits between pro- and anti-vaccine individuals. Findings indicate that an-ti-vaccine individuals exhibit higher levels of autonomy, distrust of authority, and emo-tional intensity, particularly in the form of heightened fear and anger. Their resistance to vaccination is linked to concerns about bodily integrity and a strong sense of self-protection, reflecting deep-seated psychological dispositions. This study highlights the role of defense mechanisms, personality traits, and social influences in shaping vac-cine attitudes. By understanding these psychodynamic underpinnings, public health strategies can be better tailored to address vaccine resistance through targeted commu-nication and interventions. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals in designing more effective public health campaigns. The repos-itory Open Science Framework link contains data, a complete presentation of the BIST theoretical framework, and a full description of the meaning of BIST Factors and Items.