Another study [8] reported that tattooing behavior is not associated with low self-esteem, but associated with a negative attitude to one's own body.
Sure, sometimes tattoos are meant to cloak personal insecurities or project a desired trait. But more than anything, tattoos are artistic representations of our inner world, and what it is about ourselves we consider unique. It's not the attention-seeking that drives people to get tattoos. It's the desire to be unique.
Getting a tattoo is a way for some people to express their emotions and thoughts. Tattoos also make a great way to memorialize something or someone special in our lives. Tattoo lovers often choose designs that remind them of the past.
According to a study 22% (of 540 individuals) possessed at least one tattoo. Further analyses showed that, compared with non-tattooed individuals, tattooed participants had significantly higher scores on extraversion, experience seeking, need for uniqueness, and held more positive attitudes toward tattoos.
Specifically, he said that people who get tattoos are looking for attention that they feel they are not currently receiving, further noting that you do not get a tattoo for people to not look.
Getting a tattoo, especially the first one, is a new experience. So it is not surprising that these psychologists discovered that tattooed people tend to be more open to experiences and actively seek them. They are more adventurous and uninhibited people who seek adventure and excitement.
Studies about the Healing Power of Tattoos
A new Texas Tech University study suggests that women with multiple tattoos have higher self-esteem, but also more troubled pasts. The study tentatively concludes that tattoos basically serve as a coping mechanism that can successfully raise levels of self-esteem.
A study of a community sample of women (Reference Romans, Martin and MorrisRomans 1998) found that being tattooed was associated with more psychiatric symptoms, borderline personality characteristics as well as increased alcohol use.
Tattoos are a form of self-expression for certain introverts, even if they tend to lean towards minimalism. This is why some introverts tend to choose larger tattoos.
Depression tattoos are becoming more and more popular. People are getting depression tattoos for various reasons – to help with their mental health or to commemorate a loved one who has died from suicide. Still, most people agree that they offer some benefits regarding mental health.
For anxiety, someone may get a tattoo to remind them to stay grounded or to stay focused. This could be because it's common for those with anxiety to face challenges related to concentration, focus, or feeling grounded. Someone may also get a tattoo to remind themselves to use self care or to symbolize self care.
While the reasons for tattoos are as varied as the people who choose to get them, certain trends have been identified. One persistent theme is the choice of a tattoo to register some aspect of dealing with a traumatic event.
Many people decide to wear tattoos in order to express their artistic nature, their beliefs, or their feelings -- in other words, to show their individuality. A musician in a rock band may get a tattoo of a guitar on the arm.
Women tend to look more favourably on men with tattoos, associating them with “good health, masculinity, aggressiveness and dominance,” according to one study. What is it about tattooed men that's so attractive?
"Spiritual tattoos — mandala, hamsa, chakra, tree of life, Budha, lotus, etc. — are common for battling anxiety. They symbolize the overcoming of struggle, protection, self care, rebirth, the circle of life, kindness, strength, new challenges, and new beginnings."
One of the most well-known symbols for mental health awareness and suicide prevention is the semicolon tattoo. This small punctuation mark holds a powerful message for those struggling with mental health. The semicolon represents a pause in a sentence, rather than an ending.
For many people, getting a tattoo can be a cathartic experience that helps them release emotions and feelings that they have been struggling to express. A tattoo can serve as a visual representation of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, allowing them to express themselves in a meaningful and unique way.
Our latest study shows one in four Australians has a tattoo (25%) – a record high. This is up from 20% in 2018 and 19% in 2016. The proportion of women with a tattoo now exceeds that of men by more than ten per cent (31% women compared to 19% men).
The power of healing through tattoo
While mental health professionals don't recommend using tattoos as one's only form of therapy, they do acknowledge the power a tattoo holds to give meaning or closure to an experience, or to begin a new one.
Here are the most common reasons why people regret their tattoos: impulsive decision (35 percent), significant meaning (29 percent), or the idea that it would make them look cool (18 percent). The more thoughtful and careful you are about your tattoo, the less likely you are to regret it.
If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.
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.
It shows that tattoos are a popular form of body art, with the average person having four tattoos.
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.