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].
Tattoos provide confidence & self-esteem
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.
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.
In conclusion, tattoos can serve as a powerful tool for promoting mental well-being. Whether it's a survivor mental health tattoo or another design that holds personal meaning, tattoos can provide comfort, hope, and a sense of control for individuals who have experienced mental health struggles.
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.
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.
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.
Psychiatric in-patients with tattoos appear to have a more chaotic and deprived upbringing than non-tattooed controls. This includes more time spent in children's homes, fewer years of education and younger age on leaving home (Reference Buhrich and MorrisBuhrich 1982).
An Act of Self-Care
These acts of self-care may be foreign to people battling depression and anxiety, but because they're mandatory, your tattoo may help encourage positive behaviors for the future. It's easy to slip into apathy when you're depressed, but a tattoo can remind you that you need to look after yourself.
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.
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.
Studies have found that the typical profile of a person who gets a tat is extroverted, attention-seeking, often rebellious and prone to risk-taking. Still others want to prove their mettle, as in, “I sat through all the pain to get this tat so I must be tough.”
"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."
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.
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.
The tattooing process can be euphoric and cathartic
When the body experiences moderate to high levels of pain, as it does during a tattoo, a rush of natural chemicals like adrenaline and various endorphins are released into the bloodstream.
Getting inked has a lot to do with psychological imbalance: Researchers have observed that those with a desire of getting inked are more into mental blocks and psychological disorders like depression, eating disorders, neuroticism and increased suicidal tendency.
“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.
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.
"Semicolons are a very traditional, very popular mental health tattoo and they represent that it's not the end," explains Roman.
Many people choose to represent their mental health journeys with a semicolon tattoo; the semicolon serves as a symbol of mental health awareness as well as suicide prevention.
Research from the UK, US, Australia, Canada and surveys by notable organizations report that 78% of tattooed people regret at least one of them. In the US alone, 23% felt regret. Half of these regrets were due to tattooing someone's name, as revealed by a British study. WebMD states that 11% have sought removal.
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.
It solely depends on the person's views on tattoos. Some may see it as a rebellious act, while others view it as an art. Many still cling to the old-school perspective that tattoos are for criminals. Whilst, people with tattoos, consider body art as self-expression that portrays their unique characters.