Why Do People Get Tattoos? A Deep Dive into the Psychology Behind Tattoos

Tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years, with people from all walks of life adorning their bodies with intricate designs and meaningful symbols. But why do people get tattoos? The reasons behind this longstanding practice are as diverse and intricate as the tattoos themselves.

This article delves into the complex psychology and motivations that drive individuals to get inked. We’ll explore the evolution of tattoos throughout history, examining their cultural significance and how societal perceptions have shifted over time. Additionally, we’ll investigate the potential links between tattoos, personality traits, self-expression, and mental health. By understanding the factors that influence people’s decisions to get tattoos, we can gain valuable insights into human behavior, identity, and the enduring appeal of this unique art form.

The Evolution of Tattoos

The practice of tattooing has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years across various cultures and civilizations. The earliest known evidence of tattoos dates back to around 5,200 years ago, found on the body of Ötzi the Iceman, a mummified man discovered in the Italian-Austrian border region. Ancient Egyptians also had a long history of tattooing, with evidence of tattooed female mummies dating back to around 2000 BCE. These tattoos were likely used for therapeutic and protective purposes, especially during pregnancy and childbirth.

Tattoos have been found in many other ancient cultures around the world, including:

• Nubians in Africa
• Scythian tribes in the Altai Mountains
• Ancient Britons
• Pre-Columbian cultures in Peru and Chile

The tattoo instruments and techniques varied across cultures, but often involved sharp points, needles, and pigments like soot. Tattoos held diverse meanings in different societies, serving as status symbols, religious/spiritual symbols, protective amulets, and forms of self-expression and adornment.

Tattooing has been practiced across the globe since at least Neolithic times, as evidenced by mummified preserved skin, ancient art, and archaeological finds. The oldest known tattooed mummy is Ötzi the Iceman, dating back to between 3370 and 3100 BC. Tattooing was widely practiced among Austronesian peoples, who used distinctive perpendicularly hafted tattooing tools and techniques. Indigenous peoples of North America have a long history of tattooing, with the oldest known physical evidence dating back to the 16th century.

Tattooing traditions have also been documented in Persia, the Ottoman Empire, Bedouin Arabs, and other regions. The earliest evidence of tattoo art dates back to 5000 BCE, with clay figurines found in Japan that had painted or engraved tattoo marks.

Motivations Behind Getting Tattoos

The motivations behind getting tattoos are as diverse as the individuals who choose to get inked. Some of the primary reasons people get tattoos include:

• Self-expression and Identity: Tattoos serve as a powerful form of self-expression, allowing individuals to outwardly display their personalities, beliefs, and identities. They can represent significant life events, cultural or religious affiliations, or simply a way to showcase one’s uniqueness and individuality.
• Attention-seeking and Rebellion: For some, tattoos are a means of seeking attention or rebelling against societal norms. They can be a way to challenge traditional beauty standards or assert independence and nonconformity.
• Personal Narrative and Commemoration: Many people choose to get tattoos as a way to commemorate significant moments, milestones, or loved ones in their lives. These tattoos serve as permanent reminders of their personal narratives and experiences.
• Group Affiliation and Belonging: Tattoos can also be a way for individuals to feel a sense of belonging to a particular group or subculture. They can represent shared values, beliefs, or experiences, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

Other motivations for getting tattoos include:

• Bringing imagination into the external world
• Providing a clear statement to the world
• Risk-taking and thrill-seeking
• Promoting self-esteem and self-perception
• Boosting confidence

It’s important to note that motivations for tattoos can differ by gender, with women more likely to seek them for personal decoration and independence, while men may be more driven by group identity and affiliation.

Tattoos serve a variety of functions, from self-expression and identity to fashion and overcoming difficult emotions. Ultimately, the reasons why people get tattoos are as unique as the individuals themselves and the stories behind their ink.

Personality Traits and Tattoos

Research has shed light on the potential links between personality traits and the propensity for getting tattoos. A study by Tate and Shelton found that tattooed individuals scored significantly higher on the extraversion scale compared to non-tattooed individuals. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of conscientiousness or neuroticism.

• The higher extraversion scores for tattooed individuals suggest they may display higher levels of task performance and proactivity in the workplace.
• The study was limited by having a higher proportion of female participants compared to male participants, and future research should examine a more age-diverse sample.
• Examining the other two Big Five personality traits (agreeableness and openness to experience) could provide additional insights into the relationship between tattoos and personality.

Other studies have found that people with tattoos tend to score higher on extraversion, experience seeking, and need for uniqueness compared to non-tattooed individuals. Tattoos can be a way for people to express their uniqueness and individuality, and the choice of tattoo design, size, and placement can reveal aspects of the person’s personality.

Furthermore, tattoos can express a person’s strong ‘sense of self’ and individuality, as well as their risk-taking and thrill-seeking tendencies. The placement of a tattoo can provide insights into a person’s personality, such as boldness, free-spiritedness, confidence, or shyness.

While tattoos can provide clues about a person’s personality, they do not fundamentally change or define who a person is, as personality traits precede the decision to get tattoos. Individuals who are more open to new experiences and have a higher tolerance for risk are more likely to get tattoos, but there is no single ‘personality type’ that encompasses all people who get tattoos.

Tattoos and Self-Harm

The relationship between tattoos and self-harm is a complex and multifaceted one. While tattoos can serve as a form of self-expression and personal adornment, some individuals may view them as a “therapeutic substitute” for self-injurious behaviors. Here are some key points to consider:

• For individuals who struggle with self-harm, the act of getting a tattoo can provide a sense of control and ownership over their bodies. The pain associated with tattooing can be a way to release emotional tension or cope with difficult emotions, potentially serving as a safer alternative to more destructive forms of self-injury.
• However, it’s important to note that tattooing itself can be a form of self-harm for some individuals, particularly if the motivation is rooted in low self-esteem, self-punishment, or a desire to inflict pain or scarring.
• On the other hand, tattoos can also have positive impacts on self-esteem and body image. For some individuals, the process of getting a tattoo can be empowering, allowing them to reclaim control over their bodies and express their identities in a meaningful way.

It’s crucial to approach the topic of tattoos and self-harm with sensitivity and understanding, as the motivations and experiences can vary greatly from person to person. Professional support and guidance may be necessary for individuals struggling with self-harm or related mental health concerns.

Tattoos and Mental Health

The relationship between tattoos and mental health is a complex and nuanced topic that has been the subject of ongoing research. While some early studies suggested potential associations between tattoos and certain psychopathologies or personality disorders, more recent and comprehensive research has challenged these assumptions.

Associations between tattoos and psychopathology or personality disorders are not well-established, with most studies showing small or no differences between tattooed and non-tattooed individuals. In fact, a growing body of evidence suggests that the act of getting a tattoo can have positive impacts on mental health and well-being for some individuals.

• Tattoos can serve as a form of self-expression, allowing individuals to externalize their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a tangible and meaningful way. This process can be therapeutic and cathartic, potentially reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being.
• For individuals who have experienced trauma, abuse, or other difficult life events, tattoos can be a way to reclaim control over their bodies and narratives. The act of getting a tattoo can be empowering and help individuals process and heal from their experiences.
• In some cases, tattoos can also serve as a reminder of personal strengths, values, or important relationships, providing a source of resilience and support during challenging times.

It’s important to note, however, that the relationship between tattoos and mental health is highly individualized and can vary greatly depending on personal circumstances, motivations, and experiences. While tattoos can have positive impacts for some, others may struggle with negative body image, regret, or other mental health challenges related to their tattoos.

Ultimately, the decision to get a tattoo is a deeply personal one, and its impact on mental health should be considered within the broader context of an individual’s overall well-being and support system.

Societal Perceptions of Tattoos

Tattoos have become much more common in the U.S. and other Western countries in recent decades, with nearly 1 in 2 young adults having at least one tattoo. Contrary to stereotypes, most adults with tattoos do not view them as symbols of rebelliousness or impulsivity. While most people do not perceive major differences between those with and without tattoos, a substantial minority view tattooed individuals as more rebellious but less attractive, respectable, intelligent, and healthy.

Perceptions vary based on the profession and visibility of the tattoos, with more stigma towards visible tattoos in certain fields. The type and content of tattoos likely impact perceptions, but this has not been well-studied.

• Tattoos used to be considered taboo and associated with sailors, criminals, and biker gangs, but societal perception has changed dramatically over the years.
• Tattoos are now seen as a form of art, and more and more people are getting them each year.
• Tattoos have become a symbol of women’s liberation, as women have taken ownership of their bodies and chosen to adorn them with ink.
• There has been a shift in societal norms, and tattoos are now seen as a form of self-expression, with women getting increasingly intricate and creative designs.

• 47% of Americans aged 18-29 have tattoos according to a 2015 Harris Research Poll survey.
• Tattoos are becoming more popular and mainstream, with over 50% of Americans under 40 having tattoos.
• In the past, tattoos were stigmatized and seen as unprofessional, but many businesses are becoming more accepting of employees with tattoos.
• Millennials, who make up 41% of people with tattoos, are generally more accepting of tattoos in the workplace.
• Around 35% of American companies are accepting of visible tattoos in the workplace.

However, certain industries like the military, politics, aviation, and administration remain relatively strict on tattoos. Employers often frown upon tattoos in certain areas like the hands, neck, and face, and on tattoos with aggressive or vulgar designs. The top industries that favor employees with visible tattoos include creative fields, skilled labor, restaurants, remote work, outdoor jobs, and public safety.

Cultural Significance of Tattoos

Tattoos have held profound cultural significance across various societies and civilizations throughout history. In Japan, traditional Japanese tattoos (irezumi) are associated with the yakuza (Japanese mafia), though the practice has cultural significance. On the other hand, in Maori culture of New Zealand, tattoos were expected and a sign of status, rather than rebellious.

In Africa, tattoos and skin scarification have long histories, with meanings ranging from warding off evil to signifying social status. Similarly, Native American tribes used tattoos to celebrate achievements in life and warfare. Meanwhile, in India, tattoos have been used for centuries, including as a way to make young women seem unattractive to neighboring tribes.

The cultural significance of tattoos is also evident in other parts of the world:

• In China, tattoos have a complicated history, often associated with criminals, but are also part of youth culture.
• Buddhist “Sak Yant” tattoos in Thailand depict sacred, geometric patterns and designs.
• Inuit facial tattoos in the Arctic were suppressed for much of the 20th century but are now reemerging to honor cultural history.

Beyond their cultural and social significance, tattoos have also been used therapeutically, with evidence of ancient tattooing over joint areas to treat arthritis and other ailments. Certain motifs were believed to repel evil spirits, serving an apotropaic (protective) purpose. Tattooing may have also been used to mimic the symbols believed to be worn by spirits, allowing the tattooed person to be recognized as a fellow spirit and not a target.

Tattoos and Self-Expression

Tattoos have become a powerful medium for self-expression, allowing individuals to outwardly display their personalities, beliefs, experiences, and identities through body art. They serve as a form of non-verbal communication, with each tattoo carrying a unique story and significance. For many, tattoos create a sense of belonging to certain groups or subcultures that use them as codes or symbols, fostering a shared identity and camaraderie.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, tattoos can have therapeutic benefits, helping individuals cope with and commemorate significant life events or experiences. They may serve as a means to reclaim control over one’s narrative and body, providing a canvas for personal expression and healing. This is particularly evident in the case of traumatic tattoos, where individuals use ink to conceal or transform scars or marks from traumatic experiences, imbuing them with new meaning and empowerment.

The art of tattooing has evolved into a celebrated form of self-expression, empowering individuals to defy societal norms, challenge preconceived notions, and embrace their authentic selves unapologetically. The process itself can be transformative, requiring trust, vulnerability, and collaboration between the tattoo artist and the individual, resulting in a deeply personal and meaningful work of art.

Some examples that illustrate the power of tattoos as a form of self-expression include:

• Commemorative Tattoos: Maggie Day got a tattoo of poppies on her ankle to honor her bond with her sister, as the poppies reminded her of her sister’s orange dress, symbolizing their shared experiences and connection.
• Sibling Bonds: Corrina Rosenfield learned how to do stick-and-poke tattoos herself, including a smiley face on her hand to match her sister’s frowny face tattoo, creating a unique and personal bond between the siblings.
• Personal Canvases: Victoria has six animal tattoos, some of which hold personal meanings, and she enjoys being a “canvas” for artists to practice on, allowing her body to become a living work of art that reflects her individuality.

Tattoos have the power to establish connections and cultivate communities, as people united by their passion for body art gather to celebrate self-expression. Institutions like Ink Different Tattoo School provide comprehensive training and guidance to aspiring tattoo artists, emphasizing the importance of artistic expression, technical expertise, and empowering individuals to turn their passion for tattooing into a fulfilling career.

Conclusion – Why People Get Tattoos

The art of tattooing has evolved from its ancient roots into a widespread form of self-expression and personal storytelling. Tattoos serve as powerful canvases for individuals to outwardly display their identities, commemorate significant life events, and establish a sense of belonging to various cultures and communities. As perceptions shift and tattoos become increasingly mainstream, they continue to hold profound cultural and personal significance.

While the motivations behind getting tattoos are diverse, ranging from self-expression and group affiliation to therapeutic benefits and risk-taking, one thing remains constant: the enduring human desire to adorn our bodies with meaningful symbols and art. As we delve deeper into the psychology of tattoos, we gain valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of human behavior, identity, and the innate craving for self-expression that transcends cultural boundaries.

FAQs

1. Why do individuals choose to get tattoos from a psychological perspective?Individuals may opt for tattoos for various reasons including seeking attention, expressing themselves, asserting their independence, rebelling, sharing personal stories, preserving cultural traditions, enhancing sexual appeal, fulfilling an addiction, establishing identity, or even due to impulsive decisions made under the influence of alcohol.
2. What have psychological studies found about the effects of getting tattoos?Psychological research indicates that both men and women experience lower levels of appearance anxiety and dissatisfaction immediately after getting a tattoo. Over the following three weeks, there is a notable increase in body appreciation, investment in having a distinctive appearance, feelings of uniqueness, and self-esteem.
3. What is the physiological mechanism that allows tattoos to remain on the skin?The permanence of tattoos is not due to the ink being absorbed by skin cells. Instead, it involves immune cells known as macrophages. These cells are part of the body’s defense system, designed to engulf and remove foreign substances and cellular debris. When the skin is punctured during tattooing, macrophages rush to the site and absorb the ink, which is how the tattoo remains visible.
4. How do tattoos impact emotional well-being?Tattoos can significantly influence one’s mental health and emotional state. Many find the process of getting a tattoo to be a therapeutic experience that allows for the expression of emotions and feelings that might otherwise be difficult to articulate. This cathartic effect can lead to improved mental well-being.

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