Public health aspects of tattooing among Australian adults

Medical, criminological and psychiatric literatures have pointed to risks associated with tattooing, but most of this work has been conducted with samples which have other known risk factors or disturbances. This paper investigates the reasons, experiences, methods, and perceived consequences of obtaining tattoos among a sample of Australian adults. The findings complement, extend and in some respects contrast with earlier research. Like other researchers, we found that most people acquire tattoos when they are relatively young. Unlike earlier research, we did not find widespread dissatisfaction and regret. Sex differences emerged in location and design of tattoos. A majority of tattooed people report awareness of others' negative stereotypes of them.