Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Holistic Facial Composite Creation and Subsequent Video Line-up Eyewitness Identification Paradigm
Published on: December 24, 2015
Toward building a composite of college student influences with body art
Myrna L Armstrong1, Alden E Roberts, Donna C Owen
1Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Lubbock, Texas 79430, USA. myrna.armstrong@ttuhsc.edu
Abstract:
Body piercing and tattooing flourish on American campuses. The theoretical framework of symbolic interaction and subculture identity were used to examine two similar studies (methods, sample, and tools) for building a composite of influences associated with body art and further understand the psychosocial dimensions. In data from Armstrong, Owen, Roberts, and Koch (2002a, 2002b), and the described study within, four groups of college students (N=908) were formed; those without tattooing (n=419, 81%), and with tattooing (n=97, 19%), and those without body piercing (n=247, 55%) and with body piercing (N=145, 32%). Influences (purpose, image, identity, cues, barriers, family, friends) were examined. All four student groups reported a positive image for the body art. Friends provided major support, whereas family were not as influential. Uniqueness was important, with the major purposes "I just wanted one, express myself, feel unique, be myself, I don't need to impress anyone anymore, and it helps me feel independent."
Related Concept Videos
Impression Management Techniques I: Managing Appearances
Cultural Influences on Personality
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Social Foundations of Self IV: Self in Digital Communication
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Factors Influencing Attraction III: Similarity
