A Central Queensland University study has revealed that people who decide to go under the tattoo needle are not being socially ‘deviant’, but are invested in improving their physical appearance.

CQU’s PhD psychology researcher Leeana Kent, based in Townsville, has investigated attitudes towards tattoos and the decision-making process that leads to the intention, or not, to get a tattoo.

In contrast to previous psychological research, this study focused on the social aspects of tattooing.

“The study revealed that many of the factors that influence the decision to (or not to) get a tattoo revolve around meeting society’s appearance ideals,” Ms Kent said.

Ms Kent found that the same decision-making factors involved in getting a tattoo are also found in other forms of body modification.

“The overall findings indicate that tattooing is certainly a social activity. Indeed, many of the factors involved in the decision-making process that leads to the intention to get a tattoo are often part of the decision to lose weight or have cosmetic surgery.”.

Findings also indicated that society’s gender expectations differentially impact the decision-making pathways of tattooed and non-tattooed males and females.

“Gender roles, among many other aspects, appear to have an important role in the decision-making process leading to the intention to get a tattoo,” Ms Kent said.

The study looked at the views of 1100 males and females from Rockhampton, Mackay and Townsville, aged between 18 and 82 years.

Photo: Leeana Kent.