Tattoos and mental illness

[Cecelia]

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.

[GrandizerII]

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.

Correlational findings are useful in prompting further research in the "right" direction.

[paulpablo]

https://psychcentral.com/news/2019/01/27...42332.html

While overall health seems unchanged due ink - this study shows a correlation with tattoos and mental health problems, likelyhood of incarceration and more sex partners than non-inked people.

I suppose the added sex partners could be looked at as a bonus - unless you're incarcerated - then not so much.

I don't know about mental health but the rest is fairly logical.  Lots of people get their tattoos in prison, they're related to gangs a lot of the time.  People with the kind of mindset who worry a lot about the future and are more careful probably would be the type to avoid tattoos and avoid prison.

I'm sure I could get diagnosed with a mental health issue if I saw a doctor, I know people who were given anti depressants just to deal with romantic break ups, you can get 3 months off work for a sprained muscle over here.  

Lots of sex partners is another risky behavior that makes sense to be related with tattoos.

I have tattoos but I've never been to prison or been officially diagnosed with a mental health issue. That's just me personally. I've probably had over the average amount of sexual partners.

[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.