A: Tattoos are not a cure-all for body image issues, but they can be a helpful tool for promoting positive self-image and self-esteem. Many people find that getting tattoos help them to feel more confident and accepting of their bodies.
Subjects with tattoos have higher self-esteem than controls without tattoos. Persons with tattoos tend to rate themselves as more adventurous, creative, individualistic and attractive than those without tattoos (features of high self-esteem) [22–25].
Many women, as well as men, deal with this phenomena. Some would call it “tattoo therapy.” According to NYU student and tattoo artist, Luke Thurmond, art can help people with body dysmorphia feel better about themselves. This includes the art form of tattooing.
Kertzman et al. (2019) investigated the differences in self-esteem between women with and without tattoos. They determined that tattooed women displayed a greater difference between their real and ideal self, which was interpreted as evidence of their low self-esteem.
Risk-Taking and Thrill-Seeking. One of the most common psychological explanations for tattoos is that they are a form of risk-taking behavior.
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.
This might have something to do with perceived self-confidence, as the authors note that men gain significantly more self-esteem and body appreciation after getting inked for the first time. Both men and women rated pictures of the tattooed men as more dominant, aggressive, and masculine.
Tattooing involves a little pain, and it's a procedure that takes a bit of time too. It's something that only those people who have self-confidence might agree to do. The reason is that it brings a profound change in personality. Not everyone would be comfortable enough to change their appearance to such an extent.
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.
Tattoos can also serve as a form of self-care. The process of getting a tattoo can be relaxing, and the end result can be a source of pride and confidence. For people who are struggling with mental health issues, tattoos can provide a sense of control and a way to focus on self-improvement.
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.
"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."
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.
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.
Do tattoos improve mental health? Though they certainly don't treat or cure mental health conditions like depression and anxiety disorders, tattoos can be meaningful to a person. Mental health themed tattoo ideas can make for meaningful tattoos.
“Tattooing starts at the body's first line of defense, the skin, and uses it as a canvas to physically bear witness to the assault experienced on body, mind, and sense of self. As such, it often visually and viscerally becomes a source of healing,” Suzanne Phillips, a psychologist, had explained.
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).
A 2018 study published in Deviant Behavior found that many sexual assault survivors seek out tattoos as a “non-traditional form of healing.” The researchers found that “survivors sought out tattoos as a means of regaining control of their bodies and their environment.”
Tattoos in American society
As can be seen above, compared to people without tattoos, 40 percent of people find those with tattoos to be characteristically rebellious while only 16 percent of respondents find people with tattoos characteristically attractive.
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.
Research has shown that tattoos on more visible areas of the body, such as the arms, neck, and back, are more likely to be viewed as attractive. On the other hand, tattoos on less visible areas, such as the feet and legs, are less likely to be seen as 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.
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?
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.