Journal
PSYCHOLOGY HEALTH & MEDICINE
Volume 28, Issue 2, Pages 540-547Publisher
ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2057556
Keywords
Scars; Camouflage; Tattooing; Qualitative Methods
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This study provides critical insights into tattoo artists' experiences of tattooing scars, aiming to inform a more comprehensive understanding of its uses from a health and wellbeing perspective. The findings highlight the methods and techniques used by non-medical tattoo professionals to cover up or decorate scars, as well as the psychological impact on those affected.
Research surrounding the use of decorative tattooing by non-medical professional tattooists as a form of scar camouflage or decoration is limited. This study provides critical and deepening insights into tattoo artists' experiences of tattooing scars, to help inform a more in-depth understanding of its uses from a health and wellbeing perspective. Specifically, it aimed to explore qualitatively, the different methods and techniques used by non-medical tattoo professionals to cover up or decorate scars, which can have a psychological impact on those affected. Six tattoo artists from legitimate UK based studios were identified through snowballing and purposive sampling methods. Data collection involved semi-structured telephone interviews. The data was then transcribed, and thematic analysis was then performed. Five themes were identified: Personal Opinion of Scar Camouflage Tattooing, Tattooing Methods, Scars and Tattooing Risks, Positive Impact, and Understanding of Customer Experience. These themes were then broken down into more specific sub-themes. The discussion considers these findings in relation to theory and existing literature, for example, around understanding of role, and makes recommendations for future study in this field.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available