[Prevalence, sociodemography, mental health and gender differences of tattooing and body piercing]

Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol. 2006 Nov;56(11):445-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-951817.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Objective: To obtain representative data on incidence and psychological background of tattooing and body piercing.

Method: Prevalence of tattooing and body piercing is derived from a representative survey (N = 2043, age 14-93 years). Data are evaluated with respect to mental health (GHQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and sensation-seeking (AISS).

Results: The total prevalence of tattoo and piercing is 8.5 % and 6.8 %, respectively. In the age 14-44 15 % are tattooed and 14 % are pierced. Unemployment and lack of partnership correlate positively with body modifications. Tattooing correlates with the perception of reduced mental health and both, tattooing and body piercing correlate highly with increased "Sensation-Seeking" behaviour.

Discussion: Gender specific investigations show a differentiated picture background for body modifications.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arousal
  • Body Piercing / psychology*
  • Body Piercing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk-Taking
  • Self Concept
  • Sex Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Tattooing / psychology*
  • Tattooing / statistics & numerical data*