Body Modification and Mental Health: Exploring Tattoos and Piercings as Mediators for Trauma, Stress, and Coping
Zoom
Elizabeth Richardson
508-951-5403
erichardson@umassd.edu
https://umassd.zoom.us/meetings/97606446699/invitations?signature=CPvule1wjIHvXup0W6frByLYjR55mXQNuRWLRnfyzl4
Tattoos and piercings are common forms of body modification in adolescents and young adults. Their presence has been associated with various characteristics and behaviors, such as sensation seeking, need for uniqueness/individuality, self-expression, stressful/traumatic experiences, and participation in risk behaviors (e.g., marijuana use, sexual behavior, mood problems, suicide ideation/attempts). Moreover, research has associated tattoos and piercings with self-injury, suggesting their complex implications. Previous literature has suggested that tattoos and piercings may serve as a mediator or moderator for the relationship between trauma and unhealthy habits. This study aimed to explore motivations for obtaining tattoos and piercings and the mediating role these motivations may play in the relationship between trauma and coping. The study collected self-reports on motivations for obtaining tattoos and piercings, sensation seeking, personality, stressful/traumatic experiences, and coping behaviors. Following the completion of the self-reports, a sub-sample of participants was asked to participate in an interview to discuss their responses further. Results indicated that tattoo and piercing motivations were partial mediators for the relationship between stressful/traumatic life events and total coping behaviors. Other results were discussed in the section below. The results of this study provide further information on the relationship between common body modifications of tattooing and piercings, with forms of nonsuicidal self-injury, and the functions they serve, expanding on the limited research in this area.