Examining personality differences between tattooed and non-tattooed individuals: The Big Five, need for uniqueness and general attitudes towards tattoos
Authors
Moynihan, Isobel
Issue Date
2018
Degree
BA (Hons) in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Items in Esource are protected by copyright. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/copyright holder.
Abstract
This study examined differences between tattooed and non-tattooed individuals on personality traits, need for uniqueness and general attitudes towards tattoos. A sample of 336 individuals completed a survey consisting of measures of the Big Five personality factors, Need for Uniqueness, General Attitudes towards Tattoos, tattoo possession and demographics. Preliminary analyses showed that 46.29% of the total sample possessed at least one tattoo. Further analyses showed that there were few statistically significant differences between tattooed and non tattooed participants. Tattooed participants held higher scores on levels of Neuroticism and held more positive attitudes towards tattoos than non tattooed participants. Results also revealed a difference in attitudes towards tattoos across age groups, with younger age groups demonstrating more positive attitudes towards tattoos than older age groups. These results are considered in relation to the contemporary prevalence of tattoos in socioeconomically developed societies.