Tattooing among high school students in southern Taiwan: The prevalence, correlates and associations with risk‐taking behaviors and depression

Abstract

This study aims to examine the prevalence and sociodemographics, family and peer correlates of tattooing among high school students in southern Taiwan, and to examine the associations between tattooing and a variety of adolescent risk-taking behaviors and depression. A total of 9755 high school students (grades 7 to 12) in southern Taiwan were recruited into this study and completed the questionnaires. The prevalence of tattooing among the adolescents was calculated. The responses were analyzed using the logistic regression analysis models. It was found that 1% of high school students in southern Taiwan had 1 or more tattoos on their bodies. The older students who were perceived to have low family monitoring and who had friends who drink regularly, used illicit drugs, had a criminal record or were in a gang were more likely to have a tattoo. Tattooing was also found to be associated with violence, weekly alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, dropping out of school, unprotected sex, suicidal ideation/attempt, and depression. The results indicate that several demographics, family and peer factors are associated with adolescent tattooing. Tattooing may be an indicator of risk-taking behaviors in high school students.

Are tattooed adults really more aggressive and rebellious than those without tattoos?

“…Alternatively, tattooing may offer some individuals a means of expressing their anger or aggression in a socially acceptable manner (despite beings acts of self-aggression). In this sense, our findings are consistent with previous work among adolescents, which have shown that tattooed respondents have higher self-reported aggression (Krasic et al, 2011) or are more likely to have behaved aggressively (Yen et al, 2012) than non-tattooed respondents.…”

“…In terms of aggression, surveys of adolescents in Serbia (N = 80; Krasic, Mitic, Kostic, Ilic, & Rankovic, 2011) and Taiwan (N = 9755; Yen et al, 2012) have reported that those with tattoos have higher self-reported aggression or are more likely to have acted violently towards others. Studies of patients at English special security hospital (McKerracher & Watson, 1969) and Australian young offenders (Putnins, 2002) have reported that those with tattoos had committed significantly more aggressive crimes or had higher self-reported temper, fighting, and deliberate self-injury.…”

Prevalence of tattooing and knowledge about health risk associated with it among adolescent school students in Manipur, North-eastern India: a cross-sectional study

“…In the present study, the prevalence of tattooing was 5.5% which was higher than a study conducted among high school students in Southern Taiwan in 2004 where they reported only 1%. 4 This difference could be because of huge gaps in the study timings as well as difference in background characteristics of the study participants between these two settings. Most of the previous studies are predominantly among adolescents and young adults of western countries and the prevalence of tattooing ranges from 3-24%.…”

Piercings in medical students and their effects on the skin

“…1 - 6 In ancient civilizations this accessory entailed military, religious and socio-cultural issues, having sparked prejudice due to a possible association with signs of rebellion and risk behaviors. 7 - 10 Currently, its wear is motivated by several factors, mainly the desire to try something new in order to take control of the body and identity, but also by passing trends or fads, influence of friends, inclusion into specific groups, greater acceptance in society and the stimuli provided by the media. 1 , 2 , 11 , 12…”

“…1 , 6 , 14 As to possession, although the embellishment has a symbolic value to the owner, others may perceive that body symbol in a negative way, with impacts on relationships and self-esteem. 7 , 9 , 10 , 12 , 15 However, attention to health risks is a priority due to the necessity to reduce lesions, increase protection and prevent eventual physical, emotional and cosmetic damages. 12 , 14 , 15 …”