Why Do People Get Tattoos

Last Updated on September 11, 2023 by Chase Reiner

People get tattoos for self-expression, cultural significance, and personal meaning. Approximately 30% of Americans have at least one tattoo, with the industry growing by 9% annually. Tattoos can symbolize individuality, commemorate loved ones, or showcase artistic preferences.

10 Reasons Why People Get Tattoos

• Express yourself: Tattoos are not just for body parts anymore; they can also be on your face and hands. They can also be worn on clothes and accessories to show your own style; you can use different colors and patterns to create unique designs for your outfits.
• Reflecting Personality: Some people get tattoos as a means to express who they are while others continue to make the decision to get one that reflects their personality even after they change it. They might also be used for other reasons like body art or self-expression. Tattoos have become a popular trend in the past few years. They are used as a way to express personality and individuality through body art.
• Showing Personal Characteristics: While there are many people who get tattoos for purely aesthetic reasons, there are also many others who get them on the inside of their body – for example, their arms or legs. These people usually do it because they want to mark themselves and show their personal characteristics that they may not feel comfortable showing in person.
• Remembering Moments: Some people have also been getting tattoos as a way to remember significant moments in their lives or to pay tribute to loved ones who passed away. It is also common among military members and athletes who want their body’s artwork as a reminder of how much work they put into something important like winning a championship or completing an obstacle course.
• Tattoos For identity purposes: Tattoos are a form of self-expression, but recent laws have created boundaries on what people can and cannot put on their bodies. People should be allowed to make decisions about what they want to put on their skin without government interference.
• As a way to mark special events in their life, such as a graduation or the first time they got married
• To show off their skills and skillsets, such as a tattoo with specific symbols
• They have been doing it since before tats were popular which is why they now have several because “numbers don’t lie”
• Tattoos can be a form of expression that gives you freedom and can help you feel better about yourself by having something on your body that no one else has.
• Clothing and fashion: In the past, tattoos were only seen on sailors, and sailors who participated in gruesome naval battles would receive tattoos after a victory over the enemy as a sign of victory. Nowadays it is not uncommon for those who participate in extreme sports such as skateboarding or BMX racing to have tattoos.

The Psychology of Tattoos – What Do They Say About You?

Tattooing Motive	Psychological Implication
Identity and Self-Expression	Showcases personal experiences, beliefs, and values
Memories and Remembrance	Links to past experiences or lost loved ones
Life’s Milestones and Achievements	Celebrates perseverance, challenges, and achievements
Bonds and Relationships	Represents committed relationships and bonds
Aesthetic Appeal	Demonstrates value for visual self-expression and creativity
Rebellion and Non-conformism	Shows independent and defiant spirit

Keep in mind, while tattoos can potentially give insight into someone’s personality or experiences, this isn’t always the case. Everyone has unique reasons for getting a tattoo, and the most accurate way to understand what a tattoo means to someone is to ask them directly.

Do tattooed people have different psychological traits?

Tattooed individuals may exhibit diverse psychological traits, but there’s no universal correlation. Studies suggest they may have higher sensation-seeking tendencies and openness to experience. Tattoos often express identity, making them a form of self-discovery and empowerment. However, psychological traits vary widely among tattooed people, so generalizations should be avoided.

References:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/head-games/201909/why-people-get-tattoos
https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/top-10-reasons-for-people-to-get-a-tattoo-1679151277715