Tattooing: A popular way of self-expression among university students

Perceptions about tattoos have recently undergone a fast change and now they are considered as a popular means of self-expression, especially among adolescents and young adults. In the present qualitative study, it is aimed to understand this change by deeply exploring the decision-making processes about having tattoos, the reasons for having tattoos, and the experiences after having tattoos among university students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 university students (12 females and 12 males) aged between 18 and 24 years from eight different cities in Turkey. As a result of the thematic analysis, ten sub-themes emerged under three major themes (i.e. Deciding on having a tattoo, Reasons for having a tattoo, and Experiences after the tattoo). Practical suggestions were given to practitioners within the framework of the findings.

Automated summary

Perceptions about tattoos have changed rapidly in recent years and they are now seen as a popular means of self-expression, particularly among adolescents and young adults. This qualitative study aimed to explore university students' decision-making processes, reasons for getting tattoos, and experiences after getting tattoos. Thematic analysis revealed ten sub-themes under three major themes, providing practical suggestions for practitioners based on the findings.