1
|
Ojeda VD, Magana C, Hiller-Venegas S, Romero LS, Ortiz A. Motivations for Seeking Laser Tattoo Removal and Perceived Outcomes as Reported by Justice Involved Adults. Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol 2023; 67:126-145. [PMID: 35674198 PMCID: PMC9669733 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x221102807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study is to describe reasons for desiring removal of unwanted tattoos and self-reported outcomes among justice-involved adults (JIA) receiving free laser tattoo removal in Southern California. Between 2016 and 2021, JIA completed voluntary anonymous surveys at baseline (n = 53) and follow-up (n = 113) visits. Descriptive analyses were generated for quantitative items. Themes were identified from open-ended questions. Patients were predominantly male (74%) and most (81%) reported tattoo-related discrimination. Adjusted multivariate analyses showed that a higher number of domains in which patients reported tattoo-related discrimination was associated with having more tattoos to remove and citing reasons for removal related to employment and stigma by association (e.g., gang membership and police interactions). At follow-up, 48% of patients felt they were treated better in their community, and nearly a quarter of patients (25%) reported greater confidence and self-esteem. JIA seek tattoo removal due to stigma and discrimination. While JIA reported diverse benefits, tattoo removal should likely be considered as one element of comprehensive programing that addresses JIA's diverse emotional, social, and economic needs. Longitudinal research is needed to clarify the long-term effects of tattoo removal for JIA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria D. Ojeda
- University of California, San Diego
Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, La Jolla, USA
- University of California, San Diego
School of Medicine, La Jolla, USA
| | - Christopher Magana
- University of California, San Diego
Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, La Jolla, USA
| | - Sarah Hiller-Venegas
- University of California, San Diego
Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, La Jolla, USA
| | - Laura S. Romero
- University of California, San Diego
School of Medicine, La Jolla, USA
| | - Arisa Ortiz
- University of California, San Diego
School of Medicine, La Jolla, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Altunay İK, Güngör İE, Ozkur E, Aydın C, Manav V, Ozden HK, Ertekin SS, Calikoglu EE, Erdoğan HK, Taskin B, Ficicioglu S, Memet B, Gürok NG, Ermertcan AT. Tattoos: Demographics, Motivations, and Regret in Dermatology Patients. Indian J Dermatol 2022; 67:834. [PMID: 36998875 PMCID: PMC10043702 DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_879_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tattoos are very popular in today's world. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the demographics, the characteristics of tattoos, motivations for getting tattoos, tattooing practices and tattoo regret. Materials and Method This multi-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted among. 302 patients attending to the dermatology outpatient clinics and having at least one tattoo. A questionnaire form including all needed data about patients, tattoo characteristics and possible reasons for obtaining tattoos was designed and applied to all participants. Results Of 302 patients, 140 (46,4%) were females and 162 (53,6%) were men. The mean age was28,3 ± 8,1 years (min-max, 16-62) for all study group, 53% of participants (n = 160) had at least one tattoo involving letters or number, 80 participants (26%) stated regret for at least one of their tattoos, and 34 of them (42,5%) had their unwanted tattoo removed or camouflaged with a new tattoo. The most common reason for regret was 'not liking the tattoo anymore'. The most common motivations for having tattoos were 'to feel independent', 'to feel better about himself/herself' and 'to look good'. Women had higher scores than men regarding tattoo motivations of 'to be an individual' and 'to have a beauty mark'. Conclusion Given the rates, tattoo regret is a significant issue and as motivations differ between genders, age groups and other demographic characteristics; tattoos are not just an ink or drawing on the body, but a tool for individuals to express themselves and to construct self-identity. Tattoos have deep symbolic meanings for emotions, and they may be a clue for behavioural patterns of individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- İlknur Kıvanç Altunay
- From the Health Science University, Seyrantepe Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İlayda Esna Güngör
- From the Health Science University, Seyrantepe Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Ozkur
- From the Health Science University, Seyrantepe Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cigdem Aydın
- From the Health Science University, Seyrantepe Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Vildan Manav
- Health Science University, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hatice Kaya Ozden
- Health Sciences University Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Sumeyre Seda Ertekin
- Aksaray University Training and Research Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Emel Erdal Calikoglu
- Dokuz Eylül University Research and Application Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hilal Kaya Erdoğan
- Eskisehir Osmangazi University Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Banu Taskin
- Koc University Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - S. Ficicioglu
- Trakya University Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Bachar Memet
- Koc University Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Neşe Göçer Gürok
- Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Elazig, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|