“The positive effects of tattooing in relation to body image and self-esteem”

"This study had the intention of exploring the positive effects tattooing has on an individual in relation to their body image and self-esteem. It did this by combining numerous methodological pathways such as ethnographic interviews and participatory, photographic elicitation. This study focused on six individuals, two males and four females, three of which were tattoo artists and three whom where members of the tattoo community. These individuals were selected using convenience sampling. Narrative analysis was used with a means to analyse interview transcripts in order to tell the participants story. This resulted in three main themes being uncovered: “I was an Ugly Duckling”, “You Feel More Attractive To You” and “Tattoos Are Like My Own Personal Camouflage”. These themes represent the journey the individuals experienced because of tattoos and reflect how the individuals increased in terms of their self-esteem, body image and confidence.