ARTICLE
Satisfaction with life, self-esteem and evaluation of mental health in people with tattoos or piercings.
1
Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz
2
Private Medical Practice “Dermalar”
3
Chair of Psychopathology and Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Lodz
Submission date: 2014-04-01
Final revision date: 2014-05-20
Acceptance date: 2014-05-31
Publication date: 2015-06-30
Corresponding author
Anna J. Pajor
Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi, ul. Wierzbowa 24/26 m.89, 90-245 Łódź, Polska
Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi, ul. Wierzbowa 24/26 m.89, 90-245 Łódź, Polska
Psychiatr Pol 2015;49(3):559–573
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Objectives:
The aim of the study was to determine the level of life satisfaction and the various dimensions of self-esteem of pierced or tattooed people, and evaluate their mental health, compared to those without similar body modifications.
Methods:
The study was conducted on a sample of 449 people aged 16–58 years (mean age 26.7 ± 6.35), of whom 308 had body modifications: tattoo (n = 90), body piercings in places other than the ear lobe (n = 53), or both tattoos and piercings (n = 165). The control group consisted of 141 people without such modifications. The participants completed a questionnaire concerning their socio-demographic status, as well as the following psychological tests: The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory (MSEI) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28).
Results:
Our findings show no significant differences in terms of life satisfaction between the group with tattoos or piercings and the control group. People with body modifications were characterized by higher self-esteem, with regard to their competence and leadership abilities. They also display fewer symptoms of social impairment and sleep disorders than the control group.
Conclusions:
Tattoos and piercings should not be considered as indicators of psychopathology.
The aim of the study was to determine the level of life satisfaction and the various dimensions of self-esteem of pierced or tattooed people, and evaluate their mental health, compared to those without similar body modifications.
Methods:
The study was conducted on a sample of 449 people aged 16–58 years (mean age 26.7 ± 6.35), of whom 308 had body modifications: tattoo (n = 90), body piercings in places other than the ear lobe (n = 53), or both tattoos and piercings (n = 165). The control group consisted of 141 people without such modifications. The participants completed a questionnaire concerning their socio-demographic status, as well as the following psychological tests: The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory (MSEI) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28).
Results:
Our findings show no significant differences in terms of life satisfaction between the group with tattoos or piercings and the control group. People with body modifications were characterized by higher self-esteem, with regard to their competence and leadership abilities. They also display fewer symptoms of social impairment and sleep disorders than the control group.
Conclusions:
Tattoos and piercings should not be considered as indicators of psychopathology.
Project no. RCN/SN/0610/2021/1 implemented from 2022 to 2024
Total value of the project: PLN 490 000
Amount funded by the MEiN: PLN 100 000
Aims of the project: Publication in Open Access mode on the Internet of English and Polish language versions of 12 consecutive issues of the journal Psychiatria Polska (years 2022-2024). Modernization and redesign of the journal’s website. Financing of the Editorial System. Copy editing and proofreading of journal issues. Counteracting scientific misinformation. Submission of electronic versions of the journal to the National Digital Library Polona and the Digital Library of Scientific Publications Academica.
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