Psychological traits of tattooed people | 10 Masters (2024)

FAQs

What does psychology say about people with tattoos? ›

Tattoos create a sense of belonging as certain groups such as tribes, mafias and other cultural groups may use tattoos as a code to represent their group. According to a mental health professional, Rosalba Varaceta, tattoos are a form of non-verbal language which is visible to the world with a story behind it.

For better or for worse, tattooed people are typically associated with: being extrovert, have a rich social life, or the necessity to feel unique and stand out from the of the people. In fact, not so long ago, tattooed people used to be regarded as more rebel or even more conflictive.

Men and women ages 20-39 were most likely to have been tattooed, as were men with lower levels of education, tradesmen, and women with live-out partners.

Those without tattoos were more likely to perceive those with tattoos as less attractive, intelligent, professional, and more rebellious.

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.

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.

Risk-Taking Behavior

There have been studies linking tattoos with risk taking behavior, and while there's not really foundation in this in terms of the negative aspects of risk, it is true that getting inked shows you're confident and don't mind a risk.

Pejorative perceptions of tattooed people abound, including having negative personality characteristics, lower levels of inhibition, competence, and sociability, and higher levels of promiscuity. Studies focusing exclusively on tattooed women have found that they are judged more harshly than their male counterparts.

Key points. In a study, women rated tattooed men as healthier but not more attractive than men without tattoos. Men viewed tattooed men as more attractive but not healthier than men without tattoos. Women judged men with tattoos as worse potential parents and partners than men without tattoos.

But in the ancient Middle East, the writers of the Hebrew Bible forbade tattooing. 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.

What profession has the most tattoos? ›

TATTOO DISCRIMINATION STATISTICS

Tattoos in America are a form of expression and are protected from criminal law by the Constitution, but are not federally protected in the workplace. The job industry with highest percentage of tattooed staff is the military.

Higher scores in only two out of nine aspects of self-esteem, namely, Competence and Personal Power scales, were detected in people with tattoos [24]. 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.

Societal Views. Tattoos often serve as a form of self-expression, allowing individuals to convey personal stories, interests, or values through bodily art. Despite this personal significance, society at times perceives tattoos negatively, associating them with rebellion or promiscuity.

Researchers have found that tattooed people often use their tattoos to express who they are, their opinions how they see themselves in relation to others and a way to describe their life story. However, it is not always the Page 8 8 message the tattooed want to send out to others the viewers perceives.

In fact, the psychologist with the most provocative tattoo was perceived as most competent when working with adult populations, in a forensic setting, or in interventions. The Trauma and Mental Health Report (TMHR) spoke to the lead researcher, Alexandra Zidenberg, about the study.

Freud also notes how there can be a sort of 'contagion', which can lead the subject to sacrifice themselves and their own personal interest quite readily, to that of the group. Here it could be noted that the tattoo signified this sacrifice of the body to the group.

Clinical psychology students and practitioners are conventionally advised to “cover up” their tattoos, as they may be deemed unprofessional by clients and risk hindering the working alliance.

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.