Source: Used with permission.
This post was co-authored by Jenna Zorik and Robert T. Muller, Ph.D.
When I was a child, my grandfather’s tattoos were associated with his time in the military. Now, not a day goes by without seeing someone with body art.
A study at the University of Saskatchewan, in Canada, explored how a visible tattoo, and what kind it was, affected prospective clients when evaluating a potential psychologist. While participants generally rated the psychologist without a tattoo as more professional, this did not affect client willingness to obtain services from one with a tattoo. In fact, the psychologist with the most provocative tattoo was perceived as most competent when working with adult populations, in a forensic setting, or in interventions.
The Trauma and Mental Health Report (TMHR) spoke to the lead researcher, Alexandra Zidenberg, about the study. She cautions that the participants were mostly young women, so it is unclear how a more representative group would respond. Zidenberg adds that the individual used for the psychologist profile in the study was “white, thin, and appeared young, which could have affected our results.”
Social psychologist Viren Swami explains that these days, tattoo-related stereotypes are no longer so relevant. His research found that differences in personality traits are negligible between individuals with tattoos and those without. Swami explains:
“In the West, at least, I think many of the ‘traditional’ stereotypes of tattooed individuals (that they are more aggressive, more likely to take risks than non-tattooed individuals) are beginning to fade away. This can largely be attributed to the mainstreaming of tattooing in the West, with a large segment of the population now having at least one tattoo.”
Of course, when choosing what to have tattooed, there are practical, cultural, and even ethical considerations. Certain images are viewed as offensive or tied to extremist connotations, such as the teardrop tattoo. In Japan, tattoos remain banned in many public places, stemming from the history of body art used to cover up tattoos that marked individuals who had committed crimes. In contrast, in some North American Indigenous communities, traditional tattoos on female bodies are considered beautiful, and used to denote the passage of femininity and readiness to be a mother. Tattooing can be a choice to connect to one’s culture and identity.
Tattooing can also be an act of healing. Swami comments that body art, in both the act itself (enduring the pain of being tattooed) and the product “can be a means of expressing personal catharsis, especially if it involves reclaiming the body following trauma or injury.” He adds that some women who have suffered sexual abuse choose to get a tattoo to reclaim their sense of self. Getting a tattoo can also lead to a healthier body image, which can include reduced anxiety about appearance. Swami says:
“Tattooing specifically and body art in general can play an important role in helping individuals ‘inhabit,’ feel comfortable in, and care for their bodies, particularly in societies where so many of us feel like what we should and shouldn’t do with our bodies is heavily regulated.”
Facebook/LinkedIn image: AYO Production/Shutterstock
FAQs
While participants generally rated the psychologist without a tattoo as more professional, this did not affect client willingness to obtain services from one with a tattoo.
Are psychologists allowed tattoos? ›
Can I be a therapist/psychologist if I have tattoos? Yes, you can be a therapist or anything else with tattoos. The only exception would be if a specific employer has an issue with an obvious tattoo, such as having tattoos all over your face. If you are going into private practice you can do whatever you want.
What do psychologists say about people with tattoos? ›
One of the most common psychological explanations for tattoos is that they are a form of risk-taking behavior. This theory suggests that people who get tattoos are more likely to be impulsive and thrill-seeking. They may also be more likely to take other risks, such as engaging in risky sexual behaviors or using drugs.
Are tattoos considered therapy? ›
In a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researchers found that individuals experienced a decrease in cortisol levels, a stress hormone, during the tattooing process. This suggests that getting a tattoo could act as a stress-relief mechanism.
Can mental health professionals have tattoos? ›
While participants generally rated the psychologist without a tattoo as more professional, this did not affect client willingness to obtain services from one with a tattoo.
Can I be a psychologist with face tattoos? ›
Sure! Some people may not want to see a therapist with tattoos. And it will be hard to be a “blank screen” if you are covered with ink that is visible when you are clothed. But younger clients probably won't mind, unless they are rather conservative.
Is a tattoo good for mental health? ›
A tattoo can help someone's mental health by making them feel connected to a loved one. It can help them feel more control over themselves and remain connected to their culture or country. If you're looking to get a unique tattoo or piercing to express yourself and feel better about life, visit Gallery Ink today.
Can psych nurses have tattoos? ›
The simple answer is yes. A tattoo is unlikely to disqualify you from working as a nurse, though there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Depending on your place of work, there may be rules about the types of tattoos and visibility restrictions, but these can vary greatly from place to place.
Are people with tattoos happier? ›
Respondents with four or more tattoos had significantly higher self-esteem than those with less. This was especially among those who reported a history of depression. The cause for this may be that a tattoo gives you a sense of control over the self. And allows you to reclaim something that has been lost or taken.
Is tattoo regret common? ›
Keep in mind: Of the people we talked to (the majority being teenagers to twentysomethings), a whopping 78 percent regret at least one of their tattoos. And 19 percent of participants with two tattoos regret both. Planning ahead is the best way you can make sure you don't suffer from tattoo regret.
In our study, 70.69% of the patients had at least one piercing, and 69.83% had at least one tattoo, with 22.41% having more than 10% of their body covered by tattoos.
Why does getting a tattoo feel good? ›
Once the needle touches your skin, you produce adrenaline. “This can then help mask some of the pain,” says Mark, “although from experience it doesn't always feel like any pain is being masked!” Then come the endorphins. You know that amazing mood boost you get after an intense gym session?
What tattoos deal with mental health? ›
Semicolons. Many people choose to represent their mental health journeys with a semicolon tattoo; the semicolon serves as a symbol of mental health awareness as well as suicide prevention.
Do doctors care about tattoos? ›
Most hospitals allow inoffensive tattoos to be exposed, but others require tattoos to be covered. Policies on appearance, note the CMAJ authors, also address jewelry, hair color, facial hair, and so forth. For instance, Yale-New Haven Medical Center prohibits any visible body piercings other than earrings.
Are tattoos unprofessional in healthcare? ›
Some healthcare facilities, especially hospitals and clinics with more conservative dress codes, may have policies requiring nurses to cover visible tattoos, especially those on the hands, neck, or face. They usually do this to maintain a professional appearance and avoid distractions and potential patient discomfort.
Can a masseuse have tattoos? ›
You can have tattoos as showing as long as theyre not violent or inappropriate. You can also have piercings as long as theyre not too noticeable.
