Tattoos and piercings have skyrocketed in popularity over the last few decades. These body modifications can be seen as a way to express individuality, but could there be a darker association? A study published in BMC Psychology suggests that people with a history of child abuse and neglect are more likely to get tattoos and piercings.
Tattoos and piercings have been around for centuries and often have cultural or personal significance. Old-fashioned norms thought of visible tattoos or piercings as unprofessional, but society has been moving away from that view in recent years and nowadays it is very common for people to have these body modifications.
Many people partake in them to express their personality or aesthetic. Previous research on tattooed and pierced individuals has linked them to having lower self-esteem and a higher need for uniqueness. Trauma survivors may turn to body modification as a way to overcome past experiences. Despite this, there is a lack of research regarding body modification and child abuse, which this study seeks to address.
Researcher Mareike Ernst and her colleagues utilized a sample of German participants who were 14 years old to 44 years old. The sample included data from 2,510 households. Questionnaires were handed out and socio-demographic information was gathered by an interviewer face-to-face. Participants answered questions about tattoos and piercings, as well as completing a measure on childhood trauma. A total of 1,060 participants were included in the data utilized, with the average age being around 30 and most participants falling into the lowest income bracket.
Results showed that around 40% of participants had at least one tattoo or piercing and approximately 25% of participants reported significant child abuse or neglect. Among the participants reporting child abuse, 48% had a tattoo or piercing, while only 35% of people not reporting child abuse had a tattoo or piercing. Different types and severity of abuse showed relationships with both tattoos and piercings, with more severe abuse or neglect being associated with more tattoos and more piercings. The strong relationships are somewhat surprising due to the growing popularity of tattoos and piercings among young people.
“The present study adds to previous research by confirming positive and similar associations of tattoos and piercings with childhood abuse and neglect within a representative population sample. These relations did not just pertain to physical and sexual abuse, but also to early experiences of neglect and emotional forms of trauma. They were still observed in statistical models that controlled effects of potential socio-demographic confounders such as gender and age,” the researchers concluded.
“Hence, for a substantial number of individuals who acquire body modifications, they could present a means of coping with previous adversity and be an expression of autonomy. These findings open up new avenues for support offers (involving tattoo artists and piercers) and screening (e.g., in primary care). Tattoos and piercings could also provide an impetus for therapeutic conversations about the significance of past experiences and about currently important themes.”
But the study has an important limitation. One cannot draw causal conclusions from a cross-sectional study.
The study, “The association of childhood abuse and neglect with tattoos and piercings in the population: evidence from a representative community survey“, was authored by Mareike Ernst, Ada Borkenhagen, Jörg M. Fegert, Elmar Brähler, and Paul L. Plener.
FAQs
Results showed that around 40% of participants had at least one tattoo or piercing and approximately 25% of participants reported significant child abuse or neglect. Among the participants reporting child abuse, 48% had a tattoo or piercing, while only 35% of people not reporting child abuse had a tattoo or piercing.
Why do people with trauma get tattoos and piercings? ›
Tattoos and piercings often serve as a “means of coping with previous adversity and be an expression of autonomy.”
Are tattoos or piercings more common? ›
Studies have shown that an estimated 10-23 percent of adolescents have tattoos and 27-42 percent had body piercings. Among high school students who don't already have a tattoo, more than 50 percent said they are interested in getting one.
Why are piercings and tattoos so popular? ›
For instance, the general motivations for getting tattoos and piercings have tended to fall into the same three categories for hundreds of years: (a) a symbol of an important past event, love, or friendship, (b) group membership, and/or (c) a marker of individuality.
What do piercings and tattoos say about a person? ›
Many people partake in them to express their personality or aesthetic. Previous research on tattooed and pierced individuals has linked them to having lower self-esteem and a higher need for uniqueness. Trauma survivors may turn to body modification as a way to overcome past experiences.
What mental illness is linked to tattoos? ›
Psychiatric disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, drug or alcohol abuse and borderline personality disorder, are frequently associated with tattoos. Finding a tattoo on physical examination should alert the physician to the possibility of an underlying psychiatric condition.
Does the Bible say anything about tattoos and piercings? ›
The Bible warns against tattoos in Leviticus 19:28 (Amplified) which says, “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the Lord.” However, just because society approves of something does not make it right in the eyes of God.
What type of people have the most tattoos? ›
Race and ethnicity: 39% of Black Americans have a tattoo, compared with 35% of Hispanic, 32% of White and 14% of Asian Americans.
Why are tattoos so common now? ›
Tattoos In Popular Culture
In part, this is because they are being worn by public figures such as celebrities, athletes, and people within the fashion industry. But another important aspect to acknowledge is the activism and awareness-building done by the community of tattoo artists.
What does the Bible say about tattoos? ›
Per Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.” Historically, scholars have often understood this as a warning against pagan practices of mourning.
In 2023, tattoos and body mods should not be taboo in the workplace. With a majority of young people currently having one or more tattoos, and nearly 20% having facial piercings, times are changing and moving towards a more accepting and accepting future.
Why are tattoos so addictive? ›
The combination of adrenaline and the subsequent rush of endorphins creates a unique sensation that some individuals find addictive. It's similar to the thrill experienced by adrenaline junkies seeking adventure or extreme sports. In addition, societal factors play a role in the increasing popularity of tattoos.
Is there a psychological reason people get tattoos? ›
People may get tattoos for many purposes. It's may be for attention, self-expression, independence, rebellion, a personal narrative, reminders of traditions, sexual motivation, addiction, identification or even drunken impulsiveness.
What is the psychological reason for piercings? ›
"Some people seek out a piercing procedure as a form of self-therapy, allowing them to release stress." Of course, not everyone feels this way about their piercings, and for many people, it's just a way to express themselves.
What does the trauma tattoo symbolize? ›
Trauma tattoos have become a beacon of strength finding its origin with the 'Survive' logo, which is a circle with a small branch inside. It was a popular symbol for trauma survivors in the 1960s.
Why do people with high anxiety get tattoos? ›
Going through a traumatic event, a health condition (such as anxiety disorder) or any other negative occurrence can be tough. Getting a tattoo to symbolize the struggle can be a therapeutic way to move on from the trauma and as a way for you to say, "This is now; that was then".
