Motivation for contemporary tattoo removal: a shift in identity
Myrna L Armstrong1, Alden E Roberts, Jerome R Koch
1School of Nursing, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, TTU-Highland Lakes, 806 Steven Hawkins Pkwy, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA. myrna.armstrong@ttuhsc.edu
Archives of Dermatology
|July 23, 2008
Summary
In 2006, more women sought tattoo removal than men, driven by risks like stigma and negative comments. This highlights evolving societal pressures and identity shifts related to tattoos.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Tattoo procurement has become mainstream, with increased societal support for young adults.
- Previous studies in 1996 and 2006 explored tattoo possession and removal motivations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare tattoo possession and removal motivations between a 1996 and a 2006 study.
- To analyze trends in tattoo acquisition and removal in young adults in light of societal changes.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, exploratory study was conducted across four dermatology clinics.
- Data were collected from 196 tattooed patients (66 men, 130 women) in 2006 using a 127-item survey.
- Factor analysis was employed to measure the incidence of tattoo purchase and possession risks.
Main Results:
- In 2006, 69% of patients seeking tattoo removal were women, compared to the 1996 study.
- Women seeking removal were typically white, single, college-educated, aged 24-39, and reported risk-taking behaviors and religious beliefs.
- Tattoo possession risks, including stigma and negative comments, were significant (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- A shift in identity and dissociation from the past were common motivations for tattoo removal in both studies.
- Women in 2006 were more affected by tattoo possession risks than men, suggesting potentially weaker societal support.
- Women may prefer self-controlled body site placement for tattoos, even with increased societal acceptance.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Marcia's Theory of Identity Status
James Marcia's identity status model provides a framework for understanding how adolescents navigate identity formation through varying degrees of exploration and commitment. Marcia's model builds on Erik Erikson's theories of psychosocial development, focusing specifically on how adolescents reconcile individual aspirations with societal expectations. His model describes identity formation as a dynamic process where adolescents move between different states depending on their level of...
01:30Self Within Cultural Contexts
Cultural frameworks for understanding the self are often categorized into two broad orientations: individualism and collectivism. These paradigms influence how people define themselves, relate to others, and interpret their social worlds. Each orientation offers distinct perspectives on autonomy, responsibility, and the role of the individual within a community.Individualistic CulturesIn individualistic cultures like North America and Western Europe, identity is understood as autonomous and...
01:25Personal Identity
Personal identity is the deeply felt sense of self that individuals cultivate over time, intricately woven from intrinsic qualities they consider essential to their existence—qualities such as morality, intelligence, and friendliness. These attributes serve as vital internal benchmarks, guiding individuals in evaluating whether their actions resonate with their true selves.When personal identity takes center stage in one's life, individuals often emphasize their distinctiveness, highlighting...
00:57Deindividuation
Deindividuation is a form of social influence on an individual’s behavior such that the individual engages in unusual or non-normal behavior while in a group setting. Why? Because in these group settings, the individual no longer sees themselves as an individual anymore, disinhibiting their behavior and personal restraint.
02:57The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...