Tattoos and mental illness

[LastPoet]

I'd say the study is mostly unproductive.  How many people got prison tattoos?  Gang tattoos?  

I've got a tattoo (and numerous piercings!).  And I've never spent a day in jail in my life.  Not even in the drunk tank.  Haven't even gotten a speeding ticket!  I have had a fair share of sex partners.  Of course, I'm just a single case.  But my broader point is that people get tattoos and piercings (and dye their hair all sorts of colors) far various reasons.  Some people like the way it looks.  Others do it to fit in.   I got my tattoo because I thought it'd look cool.  I was artsy.  

I don't think getting a tattoo makes you more likely to engage in 'adverse behaviors'.  I do, however, think those likely to engage in adverse behaviors may be more likely to get a tattoo.

I don't personally like tatoos on myself, but I've seen good work on other people, but I have a criminal record, and quite my share of sex, albeit today is just with my wife, i swear to god.