David Annison

10/17/2017

Collegiate Perception of Tattoos

Recent studies have shown an increase in the popularity of tattoos among college
students. Over the past years, tattoos have been viewed through a mostly negative lens by older
generations. Now that the perception is changing among college students, researchers want to
understand why.

Dickson, Lynda, et al. "To Ink or Not to Ink: The Meaning of Tattoos among College
Students." College Student Journal, vol. 49, no. 1, Spring 2015, pp. 106-120.
SPORTDiscus.

Lynda Dickson and her team of researchers from University of Colorado attempted to
gain insight on why exactly college students feel the need to get a tattoo. It was discovered that
these reasons vary from a whim, to wanting to get a reminder of a significant event, and to
represent one’s spirituality. The findings suggest that tattoos serve a symbolic meaning-making
function that is part of the development of adult identify. Dickson takes a similar approach to
Hill in looking for reasons to get a tattoo.

Dundes, Lauren and Antonia Francis. "Inking and Thinking: Honors Students and
Tattoos." College Student Journal, vol. 50, no. 2, Summer 2016, pp. 219-223.Web.
SPORTDiscus.

Dundes and Francis, scholars in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at McDaniel

College, study whether or not collegiate honors students are as likely to get a tattoo as a non-
honors student. Their research shows that honors students are less likely to have tattoos as
opposed to non-honors (13% to 29%). However, of the honor students who did have a tattoo,
75% thought about it for at least a year as opposed to just 19% of non-honors students. This
research diverges from Hill’s thought that the want/need for individuality outweighs other
aspects of life, meaning that the honors students value opportunity over individuality.

Foltz, Kristen A. "The Millennial's Perception of Tattoos: Self Expression or Business Faux
Pas?". College Student Journal, vol. 48, no. 4, Winter 2014, pp. 589-602. Web.
Academic Search Complete.

Foltz, an assistant professor of speech at University of Tampa, examines the perceptions

and beliefs of millennials regarding visible tattoos and the impact of tattoos on potential
employment. Although tattoos are becoming more accepted in society, studies show that
individuals with visible tattoos are less likely to be hired. A survey reveals that students today
are well aware that having a tattoo may negatively impact their chances of being hired, but
regardless of that knowledge almost half are still considering getting tattooed. This can be
explained by Hill’s research in that the students value individuality over opportunity.
Hill, Brittany M., et al. "Body Modifications in College Students: Considering Gender, Self-
Esteem, Body Appreciation, and Reasons for Tattoos." College Student Journal, vol. 50,
no. 2, Summer 2016, pp. 246-252. SPORTDiscus.

Hill, a researcher from Texas State University, looks at students’ reasons for tattoos or
lack thereof, considering body appreciation, self-esteem, and need for uniqueness/individuality.
She believes that as tattoos become more common there will be fewer differences between those
who do and don’t have tattoos. This almost parallels Dickson’s research in searching for
motivations for tattoos.

King, Keith A. and Rebecca A. Vidourek. "Getting Inked: Tattoo and Risky Behavioral
Involvement among University Students." The Social Science Journal, vol. 50, no. Social
Science and Health, 01 Dec. 2013, pp. 540-546. ScienceDirect.

King and Vidourek, researchers from University of Cincinnati found that tattooed
students are more likely than non-tattooed students to engage in alcohol and marijuana use and
risky sexual behaviors. This research differs from Foltz’s research by focusing on behavior
problems associated with tattoos, while Foltz focuses more on employment opportunity.

Forbes, G. (2001). College students with tattoos and piercings: Motives, family experiences,
personality factors, perceptions by others. Psychological Reports, 89 ,774-786.

Martin, B., & Dula, C. (2010). More than skin deep: Perceptions of, and stigma against, tattoos.
College Student Journal,  vol. 44, no. 1, Mar. 2010, pp. 200-206.

Williams, D.J., Thomas, J., Christensen, C. (2014). “You need to cover your tattoos!”
Reconsidering standards of professional appearance in social work. Social Work vol. 59,
no. 4, Oct. 2014, pp. 373-375.

Tate, J. C., & Shelton, B. L. (2008). Personality correlates of tattooing and body piercing in a
college sample: The kids are alright. Personality and Individual Differences  vol. 45, 01
Jan. 2008, pp. 281-285.

Ramion, Savannah Tattoos: The Road to Acceptance in Western Society. MA Thesis. Indiana
State University. 2017.