Risk-Taking and Thrill-Seeking 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.
The tattoo is an image that of course has an unconscious meaning besides the conscious one, and brings with it a metaphorical function. Freud mentions the phenomenon of tattoos in 'Totem and Taboo' (1912/13), where he describes how people carve the image of a totem animal into themselves.
For people with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, tattoos can serve as a way to feel empowered and in control of their lives. They can help people feel better about themselves and their bodies, and can also provide a sense of belonging and community.
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.
Yes, you can be a therapist or anything else with tattoos. The only exception would be if a specific employer has an issue with an obvious tattoo, such as having tattoos all over your face. If you are going into private practice you can do whatever you want.
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. While... That big skull tattoo on your arm? If you are a psychologist, don't bother covering it up.
Tattoos in the Workplace of Healthcare.
Most hospitals and clinics have strict guidelines on professional appearance, which can often block job candidates with tattoos from being hired. Tattoos are absolutely prohibited for many health personnel who regularly interact with patients.
We recommend that tattoos are noted during the psychiatric examination and a record is made of their characteristics (location, size and content). The reasons and motivation for acquiring the tattoo(s) should be explored. Another benefit of recording tattoos is that they can be used for person identification.
Those with BPD tends to get inked than others: Studies have shown that those possessing symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) like frequent, intense mood swings and an inability to control outburst of emotions are more likely to get tattoos all over the body or in more than one body part.
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.
People usually get depression tattoos to express their emotions tangibly. For many, having something they can see and touch serves as a reminder of any difficult times they may have gone through, helping them work through their issues.
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.
Tattooed young people have lower self-esteem than non-tattooed controls [16–18]. Litt [19] suggested that tattooing is an expression of maladaptive identity. Psychoanalysis schools also view tattooing behavior as hinting at deliberate self-harm motives due to the impaired self-esteem [20–21].
Backing up this explanation, an individual living with C-PTSD wrote, “[I] experienced a lot of physical and emotional abuse and tattoos let me feel like I'm reclaiming my body and healing the hurt. Also, [it's] a lot more productive than self-harm and other self-destructive behaviors.”
Those who have BPD tend to be very intense, dramatic, and exciting. This means they tend to attract others who are depressed and/or suffering low self-esteem. People who take their power from being a victim, or seek excitement in others because their own life is not where they want it to be.
Researchers around the world who study human behaviors have been interested in finding out what makes people modify their body. They have found that individuals with tattoos report that they feel more attractive, stronger and more self-confident—having overcome the fear of pain.
Some negative perceptions is that tattooed people are more rebellious, less intelligent, with lower levels of competence, inhibition and sociability. Tattooed people are also often stereo-typed as being drug addicts or criminals.
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.
Tattoos are generally accepted in the workplace as long as they're not offensive, unprofessional or distracting. In fact, nearly 3 out of 4 employers say they don't mind hiring tattooed workers.
Just know that you need to be presentable to clients. To answer your specific question - You should be absolutely fine as long as the tattoo is not directly visible when you have formal clothes on - you know, like your face, neck, hands etc. probably best to avoid forearms too. But everywhere else you are fine.
There are eight MRGs covering physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, psychological harm, danger to self and others, relinquishing care, carer concern and unborn child. If you become a registered reporter, you can submit your completed MRGs online.
The findings suggest that a visible tattoo has no reliably negative impacts on feelings toward psychologists or perceptions of their competence, and rather, may even have positive impacts on such feelings and perceptions.
As long as your future tattoos are not considered “excessive” (extremely large or colorful) or distracting (say, on the neck or face), they should not pose a problem professionally. Please read our Important Disclaimer. Talk to a Therapist Live Online (what's this?)