Why Do People Get Tattoos?

What is the point of getting tattoos?

One of the most common reasons people get tattoos is to express themselves and their unique personalities. Tattoos can express an individual’s personality, beliefs, and values. Tattoos are frequently used to commemorate a significant event or person in a person’s life.

What do tattoos say about a person?

Risk-Taking and Thrill-Seeking – One of the most common psychological explanations for tattoos is that they are a form of risk-taking behavior. This theory suggests that people who get tattoos are more likely to be impulsive and thrill-seeking. They may also be more likely to take other risks, such as engaging in risky sexual behaviors or using drugs.

Are people with tattoos insecure?

The level of self-esteem of persons with tattoos is similar to that of people without body modifications.

Are people with tattoos happier?

So why are tattoos so popular? – Tattoos can symbolize a life story. In some cases, tattoos help process traumatic life events, like loss of a family member or close friend. It can also be a personal adventure. Researchers around the world who study human behaviors have been interested in finding out what makes people modify their body.

Why are tattoos more attractive?

Ink Talk: This is the reason why women are more attracted to men with tattoos Asian News International, London | By Sep 25, 2017 04:27 PM IST What is it about tattooed men that’s so attractive? In a research carried out by dating app Type, it was found that 64% of women who stated a preference were looking to date men who have had some kind of permanent ink body art, reports The Independent. According to a new survey, two third of women are attracted to men who have tattoos.(Shutterstock) This also holds true for those who are looking for a same-sex partner, with women and men stating that they view “some” tattoos as an added attraction in a love interest.

1. Benno Spencer, Type’s CEO said, “We’ve been surprised just how strong the trends are when it comes to tattoos.
2. So many of our users are looking for someone with a bit of body art – it’s clearly a turn on for both men and women.” Previous research has also found that women tend to look more favourably on men with tattoos, associating them with “good health, masculinity, aggressiveness and dominance,” according to one study.

Type’s recent survey also found that only 39% of men were attracted to women with tattoos. However, the dating app’s company Steve Bryson bucks this trend. Today, the most tattooed city in the UK is Birmingham. One in five adults in the UK now have tattoos, with bastions of the British establishment having little qualms about visiting tattoo parlours.

How do most people feel about tattoos?

Why People Get Tattoos When tattoos first emerged in the 1800s, they were considered a sign of being a criminal or deviant. Today, they are increasingly commonplace. According to one estimate, 38 percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 have at least one tattoo.

What makes some people choose to get tattoos? This question was investigated in a recent study led by psychologist Luzelle Naudé of the University of the Free State in South Africa. More specifically, she and her collaborators sought to understand why college students would choose to get or not get a tattoo, as well as their perceptions surrounding the practice.

In order to investigate these questions, Naudé and her team began by recruiting participants who were college seniors and enrolled in a psychology research methods course. Participants completed questionnaires that inquired about their experiences pertaining to tattoos, including whether or not they had one or more tattoos, how many of their friends had one or more, their reasons for having one or not, and their opinions about tattooed individuals.

Naudé and her collaborators also invited the participants back for a follow-up interview that probed more deeply into their perceptions about tattoos. The results were striking. Most of the participants (78%) did not have tattoos, and most of their parents (92%) did not have tattoos. However, most of the participants’ friends (74%) had tattoos — and almost half (47%) were considering getting a tattoo or another tattoo.

Participants’ reasons for getting or not getting a tattoo were roughly equal, with 47% responding positively and 50% responding negatively. The primary for those who got a tattoo (25%) had to do with its personal meaning (such as to mark a significant experience or struggle).

Participants reported reasons such as “to keep my mother’s,” “a way of honoring my first child,” and “presented what I was going through at a certain time of my life.” Some participants (12%) also felt that their tattoos were an extension or expression of who they were. As one respondent remarked, “My body is a book, my tattoos is my story.” Some participants also reported that they found tattoos to be an appealing form of art.

For the participants who opted not to get a tattoo, the main reasons revolved around social and cultural factors, primarily religion (11%). One participant reflected, “I am a religious person so my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. I’d like to keep clean.” Another expressed, “I am a Christian, it is conflicting as in the Christian religion to treat and respect one’s body as a temple.” Other reasons for forgoing a tattoo included disapproval from family and friends and incurring negative views at work.

Some participants (10%) shared concerns about the permanency of tattoos and their sense that it looks unattractive on older people. Participants also referred to medical reasons or of needles and pain (10%). Moreover, some participants viewed tattoos as unappealing. One participant opined: “I wouldn’t get one.

Would you put a bumper sticker on a Ferrari?” As for the participants’ views about their tattoos and those of others, the participants themselves were for the most part non-judgmental. When asked, “What is your opinion about tattoos and people with tattoos?” the majority of participants (54%) had positive opinions, 18% had mixed feelings, 13% had negative opinions, and 15% either had no opinion or were indifferent.

• Most respondents respected the preferences of tattooed individuals.
• A respondent stated, “They’re cool and all, just not for me.” Of note, when responding to the question “What do you think are people’s opinions of tattoos?”, most participants (39%) felt that people have mixed feelings or negative feelings (35%), by contrast to the 17% of the participants who believed that people felt positively about tattoos.

Four percent of the participants did not share an opinion. Among those who harbored negative views, they stated that tattoos were (in their own words), ugly, trashy, messy, cheap and filthy. Similarly, they saw tattooed individuals as evil, satanic, dangerous, rebellious, ungodly, stupid, reckless, unprofessional, weird, not-Christian, associated with criminality, cruel, showoffs, outcasts, anti-social, bereft of morals, and defiant of society.

A respondent remarked: “They just got a tattoo because they were rebelling or they are bad*ss.” Another expressed, “They want to feel a sense of belonging, and want to be feared.” Among those with positive views about tattoos persons, they saw tattoos as attractive and those who sport them as cool, trendy, fashionable, interesting, spontaneous, creative, artistic, free-spirited, more open/accepting, liberal, adventurous, brave, strong, courageous, and unafraid of commitment and pain.

As one participant put things, “People with tattoos are the realest people ever will meet.” Some participants had “conditional perceptions.” That is, they could be accepting of tattoos under certain conditions. The majority felt comfortable with tattoos, so long as the tattoo had personal meaning or was a means of expression.

They were, however, more negative about tattoos when it came to professionalism at work or age. One participant reflected, “For young people, it is stylish and cool, but when they grow old and they have tattoos it looks disgusting and inappropriate as if they are getting old but do not want to accept by still liking things.

In the workplace, tattoos are not appropriate and the person may seem unprofessional, or not serious about his/her,” Moreover, participants felt strongly about the number, size and placement of tattoos. For instance, a respondent shared: “I must admit, I tend to be skeptical of someone who has an arm/leg/back full of tattoos (usually patterns) – in my opinion, there is something as too many tattoos.

However, if someone had tattoos which meant something to them (e.g., a name of a person who has passed on or a logo symbolizing an important event in their lives) that’s perfectly fine – something I might consider getting myself in the future.” And among those with a tattoo, the majority hadn’t experienced negative consequences because of having one and did not regret getting one.

The regrets they did have were getting one from a poorly trained tattoo artist, or one that was too big or unattractive. There were also references to pain, permanency, some judgment, or acquiring the wrong tattoos (e.g., an ex-partner’s name). Most participants with tattoos saw the they did experience as insignificant.

As one participant stated, “So I feel like I would be like ‘ah so you don’t like it, so what?’ I have to wake up in this body in the morning, not you.” Another respondent said, “They should get over their prejudices. There are plenty of highly educated and intelligent people with tattoos.” The author Michael Biondi once wrote, “Our bodies were printed as blank pages to be filled with the ink of our hearts.” He likely didn’t have social science research on his mind at the time, but for those who embrace tattoos, this study lends support for his sentiment.

Facebook image: Microgen/Shutterstock References Luzelle Naudé, Jacques Jordaan, and Luna Bergh. “My Body is My Journal, and My Tattoos are My Story”: South African Psychology Students’ Reflections on Tattoo Practices. Current Psychology. February 2019, Volume 38, Issue 1, pp 177–186. : Why People Get Tattoos

Do tattoos feel good to some people?

OK, so the process of getting a tattoo is typically accompanied by some pain and discomfort. But most people who have them will report a more lasting emotion, one that is very uplifting and often has them coming back for more. Is there an underlying reason behind this? This is a question that people who are considering their first tattoo want to know. Let’s dig deeper.

Is there a correlation between tattoos and IQ?

1. Introduction The origin of tattoos is unexplainable, but there are several theses about the origins. Wohlrab, Stahl and Kappeler assume that in the human history tattoos and piercings were symbols of beauty, independence and self-confidence. But nowadays tattoos also serve as an expression of protest and provocation towards society and parents.

1. The origins of Body-Modifications lay in countries where it was so hot that people were unable to underline their individuality with different clothing.
2. About three hundred years ago, in South Africa, body paintings, scarifications, tattoos and piercings were used to give an expression of adulthood or to catch the attention of the opposite sex.

Centuries later, sailors often had the names of their loved ones tattooed on their arms. In the Roman Empire they served as burned marks e.g. for slavery, Tattoos were also used to mark the inmates, for example in German concentration camps during World War II,

• Nowadays the body modifications serve as individual jewelry, which is worn to beautify the body, and as an expression for being able to live out the creativity on their own body.
• They also can have the function of a sign of membership in a group or a political opinion,
• Furthermore tattoos can help to express a connection – for example, a couple that wears the same tattoo.

For most people they serve as an expression of attractiveness and self-esteem, According to estimates of the “European United Tattoo Artists” (UETA), about eight million Germans are tattooed or pierced – with a strong upward trend. Among young people, it is one of four.

On the other hand, many people are not aware of the health risks of tattoos, For instance, Kasten or Worp et al. described that particularly due to poor aftercare tattoos can cause inflammations; Goldstein noticed in 1967 allergic reactions caused by the tattoo ink ; also Long and Rickman found infections after getting a tattoo.

According to Catalano particularly the head region can get damages due to the infection. Tattoo colors do not always stay where they were stung; a part of the color spreads into the whole body and can be detected mainly in the lymph nodes, Worp et al.

Found a high correlation between being tattooed and getting infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV if the tattoo was made under unsanitary conditions by a non-expert. Since 2009 there is a regulation about the inherent of tattoo-inks in Germany. Especially ink of older tattoos contains sometimes toxic compounds, which are capable of causing cancer,

Nowadays the aim is to make tattoos safer – firstly by the adherence to hygiene regulations with a profound education of people who work as tattoo-artists, and secondly by harmless colors. In everyday life stereotypes, i.e. simplified imaginations about others are often built.

• One of innumerable stereotypes is that tattooed people drink too much alcohol, take always drugs, don’t avoid any risks and, maybe, they are even more stupid than the rest of humanity.
• On the other hand tattoos can be very artful.
• Therefore it is conceivable that tattooed people are more creative than others.

On this basis, this article is focusing on the question if there is a difference (a) in creativity and (b) in the crystallized intelligence between tattooed and non-tattooed persons. But what is intelligence? There are several theories about the IQ and how to measure it.

This work is based on the two-factor model of intelligence of Cattell who had distinguished between the liquid (fluid) and crystalline intelligence. Whereas the fluid intelligence is inherited and can´t be influenced by the environment, the development of crystalline intelligence depends on the support thorough family, friends, school or education.

Thurstone had described in his primary factor model that intelligence is subdivided in seven categories (space, perceptual speed, numerical ability, memory, reasoning, word fluency and relations), which are equally important, Creativity is the act to develop new imaginative ideas and of turn them into reality.

Creativity is characterized by the ability to see things in a new way and make connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena Creativity is the ability to imagine new pictures and to find new solutions. A study of Getzels and Jackson showed that different intelligence tests correlate with various creative tests.

Based on his intelligence structure model Guilford came to the conclusion that high intelligence is not equivalent with creativity but high creativity presupposes high intelligence. Sternberg assumed in his triarchic intelligence theory that a person´s intelligence is expressed by success in life.

According to Sternberg, intelligence depends on the way how the individual processes information. Guilford combined three aspects in his intelligence structure model ; namely the contents, the operations and the products. In his model Guilford referred directly to creativity. Consequently creativity describes on the one hand the abilities to see information from a different angle and to set things by variations in new relationships.

On the other hand, creativity can be the versatile handling of information, Guilford was not the only intelligence-researcher who included creativity in his model. Even Jäger incorporated the ingenuity in his intelligence model. Thereby ingenuity is seen as equal with creativity.

1. Guilford and Jäger were sure that intelligence includes creativity.
2. The idea that tattooed people are more creative than others is underlined by the fact that especially tattoo-artists, who are often heavy tattooed, must be creative.
3. They were often asked to do extraordinary tattoos or to cover an old tattoo.

In the book “Tattooing: Special Techniques” the tattooist Haramis Kalfar described that just the setting of light and shadow is a technique that requires at least imagination and spatial thinking. Kalfar declared that drawing fantasy figures or the detection of characteristic facial features requires mainly creativity,

In several tattoo forums a lot of tattoo artists explain that tattoos are not a protest against the society but a body art. The known Munich tattoo artist Aramis declares that tattoos are a sign of art, On the other hand people with Body Modifications were attributed with very negative properties. In a study done by Dean in 2010, 31 percent of study participants without tattoos reported, that they consider people with tattoos as less intelligent, 42 percent said that they see tattooed people as less attractive, and 57 percent saw people with tattoos as a rebellious,

Meier declared in his book “Inked: 0, 3 mm under the skin of the society, that tattoos are an indispensable part of the streetscape. Thus tattooed people are exposed by discrimination and stigmatization. To support this statement, Bammann sees tattoos as deviant behavior.

Feige mentioned that this social attribution is generally connected with deprivation, insulting and inferiority. Because of these negative attributions, there can be developing an exclusion which can lead to lose the job. In July 2012 a French study examined a correlation between wearing a tattoo and/or a piercing and the consumption of alcohol.

A total of 2,970 college students (1,710 men and 1,260 women) were investigated. The authors came to the conclusion that those who had tattoos tended to alcohol excesses, while non-tattooed drank less alcohol, Based on these discrepant facts the here presented study was performed to examine whether tattooed people really are more creative but also less intelligent.

• The first hypothesis is whether tattooed people are less intelligent than non-tattooed people.
• The second hypothesis is whether the tattooed are more creative than the non-tattooed.2.
• Methods For the quantitative collection of data two questionnaires were used.
• The first part of the questionnaire on the cover page contains a brief introduction and explanation of the confidentiality of data.

Furthermore, socio-demographic data as gender, age, profession, the highest degree were collected on the cover sheet. In addition, the question was asked whether the participants are tattooed or not and, if this is the case, how big the tattoo is in square centimeters as well as the number of tattoos.

To measure the intelligence, the Multiple-Choice Vocabulary Intelligence Test (MWT-A) was used. The MWT-A measures only the crystallized intelligence (see above). The participants had to mark one word out of five which was correctly written. The 37 items of this test are arranged according to the degree of difficulty.

The raw-data were transformed into a standard-IQ and a percent rank value. The average of the IQ scale is 100. Values below 85 are conspicuously low; values above 115 are very good. An IQ below 85 indicates mental retardation. For the investigation of creativity five subtests of the “Questionnaire for Divergent Thinking” (TDK) were used.

• Here, the number, quality, originality and newness of answers play an important role for the evaluation of the creativity of a participant.
• The values of this test can be represented as percentiles or T-values.
• The processing time was about 15 minutes for the whole test.3.
• Results 3.1.
• Sample In order to obtain a homogeneous sample, the requirement was to have finished secondary school and being a student at a university or college.

The recruitment of the sample took place in Hamburg in various universities (Medical School Hamburg, University of Hamburg, Helmut Schmidt University and the High School of Applied Sciences Hamburg). In addition, an online survey was conducted. For this purpose, the participants received an online-link; here they could fill out the questionnaire online.

The basis for the empirical analysis provides a total sample of 106 subjects, 54 of whom had no tattoos on the body and 50 people had stung at least one tattoo. Two of the 106 subjects haven´t had completed the questionnaire and their data were excluded. Due to the Multiple Choice Vocabulary Intelligence Test the minimum age for the study was 20 years.

The age range of the subjects ranged from 20 to 54 years, with the average age of 25.5 year. Only two people were more than 50 years old.59 (56.7%) were female and 45 (43.3%) were male. The following table shows the distribution of the gender and is based on whether they are tattooed or not tattooed.

	f (N)	m (N)	f (%)	m (%)
Tattooed	29	21	27,9	20,2
Non-tattooed	30	24	28,8	23,1
Total	59	45	56,7	43,3

Table 2, Comparison of values of tattooed and not tattooed.

	N	Minimum	Maximum	Average ± Standard Deviation
IQ no-Tattoo	54	90,00	143,00	115,61±14,71
Creativity no-Tattoo	54	4,00	46,00	17,57±10,91
IQ Tattoo	50	80,00	143,00	113,16 ±13,91
Creativity Tattoo	50	4,00	60,00	16,06 ±10,01

3.2. Detailed Results Table 2 (see above) shows a general overview of the maximum and minimum values of the intelligence test and the creativity test. This table shows that the values of the tattooed group don´t differ significantly from the non-tattooed group.

1. While the tattooed participants have their highest value of 143 in the intelligence test and the highest value of 80 in the creativity test, the non-tattooed possess their highest value of 143 in the intelligence test and 90 in the creativity test.
2. To calculate significant difference between these two groups, the Mann-Whitney-U-Test was performed.

First, the average values of both groups in the field of intelligence and creativity were compared. Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the results. The average value of non-tattooed in the creativity test is 17.57 and the standard deviation (SD) is 10.91. The average value of tattooed is 16.06 and the standard deviation is 10.01. Figure 1. Results of the creativity test (average and standard deviation). Figure 2, Results of the intelligence test (average and standard deviation). The average value for non-tattooed in the area of the intelligence is located at IQ 115.61 with a standard deviation (SD) at 14.71. The average value of tattooed in the field of intelligence is IQ 113.6 and the standard deviation at 13.91. As for creativity, for intelligence is only little variation between the values of tattooed and non-tattooed participants. The first main hypothesis that has to be checked is whether tattooed people are less intelligent than non-tattooed people. The second main hypothesis is whether the tattooed are more creative than the non-tattooed. In this study the results of two independent samples were taken. For this reason, the Mann-Whitney U-test was performed. The U-test is a homogeneity test, which checks the significance of two independent distributions. For the first main hypothesis the SPSS program calculated a value of p=0.425, which means the U-test (U (50, 54) =104, p>0.05) shows no significance between these two groups in the field of crystalline intelligence. Thus, the p-value is in the retention area. The null hypothesis, tattooed are as intelligent as non-tattooed, was maintained, and the alternative hypothesis, tattooed people are less intelligent than non-tattooed, was not accepted. The U-test calculated in the field of creativity between the groups (U (50.54) = 104, p> 0.05). That shows that there is no significance. The second main hypothesis was tested on a α-level of five percent (i.e. p<0.05). The p-value is 0.912, so the p-value is in the retention area. Here also the p-value has to be cut in half so that one side can be tested. Thus, the p-value is 0.456. Even with the one-sided test there is no significance. The null hypothesis is retained and the alternative hypothesis is rejected. Tattooed people therefore do not differ notably in terms of the creativity of non-tattooed people.4. Discussion The objective of this work was to find out whether there are differences in the crystalline intelligence and creativity between tattooed and non-tattooed people. The evaluation of intelligence and creativity of a questionnaire of 104 participating volunteers resulted in the conclusion that significant differences could not be detected - neither in the field of crystalline intelligence nor in the field of creativity. The analysis of the main hypothesis took place on the basis of the data of the Mann-Whitney-U-test. The results show no significance in the field of intelligence between tattooed and non-tattooed people. The alternative hypothesis, tattooed people are less intelligent than non-tattooed, was not accepted. The null hypothesis, tattooed are intelligent as non-tattooed, is maintained. Furthermore, there are no differences in the field of creativity between tattooed and non-tattooed. Negative prejudices - against tattooed - are not justified with regard to their intelligence. Although the general acceptance of tattoos is increasing in western society, having tattoos in certain social groups can be a heavy stigma. Tattoos were an important part of the culture of organized crime such as e.g. in the Russian Mafia and the Japanese Yakuza. In the west, tattoos are often associated with (former) prisoners (jail tattoos). So it is not surprising that in the workplace, especially in classical sectors such as trade, insurance and banks a striking body modification still is not tolerated. In spite of that tattoos and piercings are actually a private matter and should not be prohibited by the employer, In order to achieve more significant results in the future, the following points should be included in this work. First, the crystalline intelligence comes from experiences that the human makes in his environment. It includes everyday experiences and memories of a person. In the process the human makes experiences, depending on the personality and preferences of an individual. One criticizing point at the edition of this questionnaire is that some socio demographic data were not collected. One of the most important aspects for acquiring general knowledge is social status. As an example, the parents' salary could be used. Another important aspect is the district where the volunteers live. According to a long-term study of the ISS AWO in 1997, which was continued in 2009, poorer families have fewer resources than non- poor families. This is one of the reasons why the general education is often less pronounced in poorer neighborhoods, Another important point for the detection of the crystalline intelligence is the genetic component. The intelligence is partly genetic and partly due to the environment. Numerous studies have shown that up to 75 percent intelligence is hereditary. One example is the twin study of Harden, Turkheimer & Loehlin in 2007 with 839 pairs of twins. The study showed that both the environmental impact and the genetic components in interaction exerted an influence on the intelligence. This small pilot study has several limitations. Choosing a short intelligence test is difficult. Many intelligence tests take a long time for processing. The MWT-A is a fairly quick test with a processing time of only five minutes. However, this measures only a part of the intelligence, namely the crystalline part. But intelligence is divided in many different areas and there is not a definitive consensus. Since only the crystallized intelligence is measured by the MWT-A, no conclusions to the other areas of intelligence (spatial, emotional, cognitive, etc.) can be provided. This criticism is not completely baseless. Intelligence is neither clearly defined nor easily measured. In contrast, other human dimensions (weight, height, muscle strength) can be measured objectively. A disadvantage of the TDK is that long and interesting stories don't lead to more points. An additional critique is that even objective psychological investigations can always capture only partial areas and often has nothing to do with success in life. Due to the very small sample of 104 subjects of which 54 were not tattooed, no general statement can be made, regarding to the results. Also the nature of the cross sectional is a weakness of this study. Still this work does not distinguish between pictorial tattoos or lettering. The state of research in the field of intelligence and creativity of tattooed and non-tattooed people suggests that this area still has too little attention. Many people draw conclusions about the intelligence of tattooed just because of prejudice and stigmatization. Acknowledgements The authors thank all participants of this study. References

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Do most people regret tattoos?

If you’re planning to get a tattoo, sleep on it. And not just for a night—at least a few months. That’s what we found when we surveyed 600 people with tattoo regret. The big takeaway: 3 out of 4 people who suffer from “tattoo regret” didn’t plan for the tattoo beyond a few weeks. Yikes! Read on. – Still itching to get inked? Keep in mind: Of the people we talked to (the majority being teenagers to twentysomethings), a whopping 78 percent regret at least one of their tattoos. And 19 percent of participants with two tattoos regret both. Planning ahead is the best way you can make sure you don’t suffer from tattoo regret.

In fact, 1 in 4 people who made a spontaneous decision to get a tattoo, regretted it within a few days. That said, there was still a small fraction of people (5 percent) who spent years thinking about getting a tattoo and regretted it within days. If you still decide that getting a tattoo is right for you, remember: location, location, location.

Why do people get tattoos? – Dr. Matt

Participants told us they regret getting tattoos on these spots: upper back, upper arms, hips, face and butt. Size matters. Apparently, the smaller your tattoo, the more likely you are to regret it. We found that 63 percent of people with a tattoo smaller than the palm of their hand regret it.

However, only 2 percent of people with full-sleeves or longer, regret their tattoo. Perhaps that’s because people with full-sleeves or longer spent more time thinking about it. Plus, it’s easier, and faster, to get a star on your shoulder, than it is to go full-on Travis Barker. Some symbols cause more regret than others.

You might want to think twice before you go for something tribal, a heart or roses. People were less likely to regret inking the moon, Celtic symbols or Roman numerals, but these were still in the top twenty of most regrettable tattoo content. Your emotional state before getting the tattoo could also affect your regret level.

Do people with depression get tattoos?

What Are Depression Tattoos? – A depression or mental health tattoo is a unique type of tattoo that carries an emotional message. They enable people to express their feelings of sadness, grief, or loss in a creative and powerful way. These can range from something as simple as a word or phrase like “brave,” “strong,” or “survivor” to more complex images such as trees, birds, and skulls.

Generally, mental health tattoos are simple and symbolic designs that represent the wearer’s feelings in some way. Many mental health tattoos can be very small and discreet so as not to draw too much attention. People usually get depression tattoos to express their emotions tangibly. For many, having something they can see and touch serves as a reminder of any difficult times they may have gone through, helping them work through their issues.

They are also often used as part of the healing process, allowing people to start expressing themselves after going through difficult experiences.

What is the downside of tattoos?

Tattoos breach the skin, which means that skin infections and other complications are possible, including: Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes — can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo.

Are tattoos ever classy?

Connect to the Right Artist – The criteria for a tattoo to be deemed “classy” is highly subjective. However, there are styles that are more aesthetically pleasing to even the most highfalutin eye. You will want an artist that specializes in black and grey styles, and/or a tattooist with a penchant for clean minimalist lines,

You don’t need to avoid color or more intricate details mind you, as an illustrative tattooist inspired by animals, mysticism, and flora can also convey a sense of class that traditional artists may bypass. Ultimately, we encourage you to take your time not only when choosing a tattoo studio (as per above) but also when considering the artist who will place the work of art on your body.

Far too often people will accept whatever artist a tattoo shop has available on any given day. But given that you’re in search of something more polished and cosmopolitan, don’t accept whomever just happens to be working. Please reference our guide for what to look for when choosing a tattoo artist,

What age group has the most tattoos?

Age: Adults under 50 are especially likely to have a tattoo. Some 41% of those under 30 have at least one, as do 46% of those ages 30 to 49. This compares with a quarter of adults ages 50 to 64 and 13% of those 65 and older.

Are tattoos a form of therapy?

5 Ways Tattoos Can Help People Heal

Recent research identified five distinct ways that getting a tattoo has helped individuals cope with trauma. Tattoos can function as physical manifestations of mental scars and encourage others to remember the event. Tattoos can also help trauma survivors maintain connections with others survivors and provide a sense of control over their body.

Source: Natalie magic/Shutterstock In recent years, sporting a tattoo has become increasingly mainstream and viewed as a mode of self-expression. Indeed, studies show that having a tattoo is no longer the province of deviants or criminals. These days, people get tattoos for a wide host of reasons, including self-enhancement, asserting individuality or group membership, representing resistance, and challenging norms.

1. But can it help survivors cope with trauma? A led by Laura Crompton of Tel Aviv University suggests that it can.
2. More specifically, Crompton and her team sought to better understand how getting a tattoo can be a viable method to cope with trauma and to give meaning to a difficult experience.
3. In order to investigate this inquiry, Crompton and her collaborators analyzed publicly published articles of personal accounts of trauma survivors who then went on to get a tattoo.

In the end, the data consisted of secondary sources that were located via a Google search, using the keywords tattoos, trauma, projects, trauma survivors, and also searching specific events such as the terrorist attack at Bataclan, Hurricane Katrina, and September 11.

The sources included a book chapter, newspaper articles, and a video that featured survivors’ accounts on getting a tattoo in the aftermath of a trauma. What did the researchers’ analysis reveal? Getting a tattoo helped survivors cope with trauma, and it gave meaning to their experience in five distinct ways.

The following is a summary of the team’s findings.1. Exposing hidden mental scars to gain public recognition. Some survivors felt that their trauma left invisible wounds, and thus they felt that they had to “prove” to others that it existed at all. One participant remarked, “When you lose a hand or a leg, people see you.

In my case, it’s something that’s hiding inside.” 2. Witnessing the trauma so it will not be forgotten. Participants’ desire to share their experience with others went hand in hand with the expectation that society at large commemorate the traumatic event. Thus, the tattoo at once memorialized the trauma for the person bearing it, reminded others of the event, and signaled to others what the survivor had endured.

One participant stated: “Without even saying a word to anyone, just by showing this, being at a pool somewhere, they’re going to come up and they’re going to know and they’re going to think of 9-11 and it will stay in their consciousness.” 3. Maintaining intimate connections in the encounter with others.

Exhibiting a tattoo also helped survivors make deeper connections and give meaning when interacting with others. This has reportedly been the case among relatives of Holocaust survivors who shared how their tattoo made them feel more connected to important people in their lives. One participant reflected: ” like an inheritance or something.

Every time I see it, it’s a reminder to call him. I find it kind of hard to relate to people I don’t know and places I haven’t been to and this thing called the Holocaust. The thing I relate to more is my grandfather.” 4. The symbolic meaning of tattoo images after trauma. For example, one survivor of the Bataclan attack a tattoo got a cloverleaf with the number 13 inside shared: “It was Friday the 13th, there were 13 of us in the mosh pit in front of the stage, and we all got out alive.” 5. Transformation and regaining control of one’s body.

A central experience of trauma is feeling the loss of control. Thus, the decision to get a tattoo can itself be a reclamation, in which the survivor takes back control over physical or emotional injury. Consider the following response: “When you experience an injury, any kind of injury—it doesn’t have to be dramatic.

you eventually carry scars which you didn’t choose on your body and soul for the rest of your life. Here, you’re putting something on your body which you choose to carry for life.” Facebook/LinkedIn image: Natalie magic/Shutterstock More from Psychology Today Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today. More from Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M. More from Psychology Today : 5 Ways Tattoos Can Help People Heal

Do tattoos get you more girls?

Source: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock There was a time when tattoos were considered taboo, but that time is long past. In the UK, an estimated 20 million people sport at least one tattoo, almost one of every three inhabitants of my mother country — perhaps not surprising given that the name “Britain” comes from the ancient Celtic for “the tattooed folk.” In America, it’s not much different.

1. A decade ago, a Pew report found that 40 percent of millennials in he U.S.
2. Had a tattoo, and I suspect that number may have crept higher since then.
3. My own sister is a tattoo artist, inked up from head to toe (literally), but I’ve never gone under the needle myself and find it difficult to understand why anyone would.

To my eyes, about 95 percent of tattoos look rubbish, plus they’re permanent  —  unless you want to put yourself through multiple sessions of laser treatment, which are more expensive and painful than getting a tattoo in the first place. But perhaps the pain is part of the point A signal of strength? Evolutionary biologists have theorized that tattoos are a way of signaling how tough we are.

• In preindustrial societies, tattooing is more painful and more dangerous than in modern societies.
• Piercing the skin exposes the recipient of a tattoo to infection, and only those with the strongest immune systems can come through the process with their health intact.
• So tattoos may be the human equivalent to a peacock’s showy tail — a drain on bodily resources that reduces survival chances, but advertises to potential mates (and rivals) that you are tough enough to withstand the handicap.

In a research paper published recently in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, scientists from Poland sought to test this theory: Are humans with tattoos seen as more attractive, healthy, and dominant? Andrzej Galbarczyk and Anna Ziomkiewicz photographed nine shirtless men, none of whom had a tattoo.

1. Then they had a professional add an abstract tattoo design to the image of each man’s arm.
2. Several hundred male and female volunteers were shown these images, and asked to rate them for attractiveness, health, masculinity, dominance, and aggression,
3. The volunteers also judged how good a partner and father they thought each man would make.

The Results Women thought that the men looked healthier with a tattoo, which supports the biologists’ theory. However, tattoos didn’t make a man look more or less attractive. Women thought tattooed men would be worse partners and fathers than men without tattoos, perhaps because tattoos signal impulsiveness and a propensity for risk-taking  —  hardly the characteristics most women prioritize in a long-term partner.

• Both men and women agreed that a man with a tattoo looked more masculine, dominant, and aggressive.
• The researchers concluded that “tattoos may have a dual function: They influence female preference, but also are likely to be important in male-male competition,” However, I wonder if the results could partly be explained by the type of men they photographed.

The sample image that appeared in their research paper showed an athletic young man. If the other models that were photographed were similarly buff, this could be a problem. Tattoos are so culturally loaded with information that it is possible that the same tattoo could communicate different messages, depending on the bearer’s age, physical condition, or other variables the researchers didn’t investigate.

What’s more, anyone who has visited a tattoo parlor knows that the number of available tattoo designs is virtually limitless. This means it is very difficult to conclude from one study whether tattoos, as a whole, have a predictable effect on how a person is perceived. But for now, at least, it seems like I may have been right to forgo the needle.

I don’t really want to be seen as more aggressive or a bad bet for a long-term partner, and if I want to appear more healthy I’ll make sure to eat my five-a-day. It seems to have worked for this guy. Source: Merlijn Hoek/Flickr For an audio version of this story, see the 14 February 2017 episode of The Psychology of Attractiveness Podcas t, Support me at patreon.com/psychology and receive bonus podcasts and blogs.

Will tattoos become unpopular?

Are Tattoos Going Out of Style? / Tattoos are expensive pieces of permanent art for the body that require a lot of time and resources to be done properly by experienced professionals who have taken extensive training. Therefore, a lot of thought should go into the idea of getting a tattoo since the only way to get rid of them is with very painful laser treatment or to cover them up with yet another tattoo.

Where are tattoos most attractive?

Those attracted to women saw a three-way tie between the upper back, shoulder and hips (with a 3.3 rating). The back: a top-rated tattoo location for women and men. The hip: a top-rated tattoo location for women. The upper arm: a top-rated tattoo location for men.

What is the psychology of people with tattoos?

Self-Determination Theory – Self-determination theory suggests that people get tattoos as a way to fulfil their need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Tattoos can provide a sense of control over one’s body, allow individuals to express their creativity, and foster a sense of connection with others.

How many tattoos does the average person have?

It shows that tattoos are a popular form of body art, with the average person having four tattoos. This statistic can be used to further explore the motivations behind why people choose to get tattoos, as well as the types of tattoos they get.

Do tattoos make people more confident?

6. Tattoos provide confidence & self-esteem – Those with tattoos know the confidence associated with fresh ink. It’s exciting and you want to show it off – like an amplified version of the feeling you get after a really good haircut. But it turns out that the confidence boosting effects aren’t just for new ink.

A study of 2,395 college students found a correlation between tattoos and self-esteem. And the more tattoos, the bigger the confidence boost. Respondents with four or more tattoos had significantly higher self-esteem than those with less. This was especially among those who reported a history of depression.

The cause for this may be that a tattoo gives you a sense of control over the self. And allows you to reclaim something that has been lost or taken.

How do tattoos express a person’s identity?

Founder – Tattoo Temple & Tattoo Tribe – Published Mar 24, 2023

Tattoos can serve as a form of self-expression and can help to convey a person’s individuality, beliefs, and personal history.Tattoos can symbolize a person’s journey in life, including important events, people, or memories that have shaped who they are.Tattoos can also serve as a form of self-empowerment, helping individuals to boost their confidence and self-esteem.Tattoos can symbolize a person’s cultural or spiritual identity, and can be used to express their connection to a particular tradition or belief system.Tattoos can also be used as a form of rebellion or non-conformity, challenging societal norms and expectations.Tattoos can serve as a form of self-care, promoting self-love and self-acceptance for individuals.Tattoos can also be a form of personal growth and self-discovery, inspiring introspection and self-reflection.Tattoos can also be used as a form of therapeutic release, helping individuals to process and cope with difficult emotions or experiences.Tattoos can symbolize a person’s membership in a particular group or community, such as a gang or a military unit.Tattoos can also be used to commemorate the memory of a loved one or to honor the memory of a significant event.Tattoos can also be used to hide or conceal scarring or other marks.Tattoos can hold a variety of meanings and symbolize different things for different individuals. The psychology behind tattoo choices is complex and can be influenced by a range of factors, including personal experiences, cultural background, and individual beliefs and values.For many people, tattoos are a way of expressing their identity or personal beliefs. They may choose a design that represents something significant in their life, such as a family member or friend, a life-changing event, or a personal mantra or philosophy. Tattoos can also be used to mark a significant milestone, such as a birthday or achievement.In some cases, tattoos may be chosen as a way of expressing individuality or rebellion against societal norms. This can be particularly true for tattoos that are seen as unconventional or controversial, such as those with political or social messages or tattoos in visible locations that challenge traditional expectations around body art.Additionally, tattoos can hold symbolic meanings within different cultures and religions. For example, in some cultures, tattoos may be used as a way of marking social status or indicating membership in a specific group. In other cases, tattoos may be chosen as a way of honoring cultural or religious traditions or as a form of spiritual expression.Overall, the psychology behind tattoo choices is complex and deeply personal. Tattoos can hold significant meaning for individuals and may represent a range of beliefs, values, and life experiences.

What is the personality of a tattoo artist?

The top personality traits of tattoo artists are social responsibility and extraversion – Tattoo artists score highly on social responsibility, indicating that they desire fair outcomes and have a general concern for others. They also tend to be high on the measure of extraversion, meaning that they rely on external stimuli to be happy, such as people or exciting surroundings.

Do tattoos give confidence?

6. Tattoos provide confidence & self-esteem – Those with tattoos know the confidence associated with fresh ink. It’s exciting and you want to show it off – like an amplified version of the feeling you get after a really good haircut. But it turns out that the confidence boosting effects aren’t just for new ink.

1. A study of 2,395 college students found a correlation between tattoos and self-esteem.
2. And the more tattoos, the bigger the confidence boost.
3. Respondents with four or more tattoos had significantly higher self-esteem than those with less.
4. This was especially among those who reported a history of depression.

The cause for this may be that a tattoo gives you a sense of control over the self. And allows you to reclaim something that has been lost or taken.

Do successful people have tattoos?

Tattooed and Successful: Uncover the Inspiring Stories Welcome to a world where ink meets success! In today’s society, tattoos are no longer considered taboo but rather celebrated as an art form and an expression of one’s individuality. As a result, more and more people are getting tattooed, including some of the most successful individuals in the world.