Personality differences between tattooed and non-tattooed individuals

Psychol Rep. 2012 Aug;111(1):97-106. doi: 10.2466/09.07.21.PR0.111.4.97-106.

Abstract

This study examined differences between tattooed and non-tattooed individuals on a range of personality and individual difference measures. A community sample of 540 individuals from the southern German-speaking area of central Europe completed a survey consisting of measures of the Big Five personality factors, Need for Uniqueness, Self-esteem, sensation seeking, Religious and Spiritual Beliefs, Attitudes Toward Tattoos, tattoo possession, and demographics. Preliminary analyses showed that 22% of the total sample possessed at least one tattoo. Further analyses showed that, compared with non-tattooed (n = 420) individuals, tattooed participants (n = 120) had significantly higher scores on Extraversion, Experience Seeking, Need for Uniqueness, and held more positive Attitudes Toward Tattoos, although effect sizes of these group differences were generally small- to medium-sized. These results are considered in relation to the contemporary prevalence of tattoos in socioeconomically developed societies.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude
  • Austria
  • Character*
  • Exploratory Behavior
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Individuality*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Tests / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self Concept
  • Spirituality
  • Tattooing / psychology*
  • Young Adult