Tattoos are more popular than ever. In many cultures, they’ve shifted from taboo to mainstream, seen as fashion statements, personal expression, or even art. But psychologists continue to ask a deeper question: what do tattoos really say about self-esteem and identity?
Recent studies suggest that women with tattoos often show lower self-esteem than their non-tattooed peers—and sometimes engage in higher levels of risk-taking behavior. Here’s what the research reveals.
Study 1: Tattoos and Self-Esteem (Israel)
A study published in PLOS ONE investigated the self-esteem and body image of 120 women between the ages of 18 and 35—half with tattoos, half without (source
Instead of traditional questionnaires, researchers used a non-verbal repertory grid technique, which revealed subconscious associations between concepts like self, body, and tattooed woman.
Key findings:
- Lower self-esteem: Women with tattoos showed a larger gap between their real self and ideal self.
- No difference in body image: Tattooed and non-tattooed women reported similar body dissatisfaction.
- Tattoos linked to identity: For tattooed women, “tattooed woman” was strongly connected to their ideal self and ideal body. For non-tattooed women, the same concept carried negative associations.
- Body image tied to self-esteem: In tattooed women, how they viewed their body strongly correlated with their overall self-esteem.
In short: tattoos didn’t worsen body image, but they did highlight existing struggles with self-esteem.
Study 2: Tattoos, Motivation, and Risk (Brazil)
A second study, published in Psico-USF, surveyed 316 women—half tattooed, half not (source
Key findings:
- Tattooed women reported higher levels of risk-taking behavior, including casual sex, alcohol and drug use, and greater psychological distress.
- Despite these associations, tattooed and non-tattooed women still shared many similarities, showing tattoos are becoming increasingly normalized in mainstream culture.
- Motivations for tattoos included self-expression, identity formation, and social belonging.
What Do These Studies Mean?
Taken together, the research suggests that:
- Tattoos often stem from lower self-esteem.
Many women turn to tattoos as a way to close the gap between who they are and who they want to be. - Tattoos serve as identity tools.
They are not just decoration, but part of how women construct and project their ideal selves. - Tattoos can signal risk-taking behavior.
While not universal, tattooed women in the Brazilian study engaged more frequently in socially risky activities. - Tattoos are now mainstream.
Even with these associations, the differences between tattooed and non-tattooed women are shrinking as tattoos become more widely accepted.
The Bigger Picture: Tattoos and Identity
It’s important to note that tattoos do not automatically equal “low self-esteem” or “risky behavior.” Instead, they often represent a way of managing insecurity or expressing identity.
Just as people use fashion, cars, careers, or social media to project an image, tattoos are another tool for closing the gap between the real self and the ideal self.
Conclusion
Psychological research shows that women with tattoos often have lower self-esteem than women without tattoos, though their body image is not significantly worse. Tattoos are strongly tied to identity—sometimes helping individuals feel closer to the person they want to be.
Other studies show tattoos may also be linked to risk-taking behaviors, but as tattooing becomes more mainstream, these differences may be less pronounced.
The takeaway: tattoos aren’t just body art. They’re emotional, social, and psychological symbols of identity—sometimes armor, sometimes expression, always more than skin deep.
Limitations of the Research
It’s important to note that both studies were cross-sectional. This means they observed tattooed and non-tattooed women at a single point in time. While the studies found associations between tattoos, self-esteem, and risk behavior, they cannot prove that tattoos cause lower self-esteem or risk-taking.
Self-esteem and identity are influenced by many factors—culture, upbringing, mental health, and social environment. Tattoos may reflect these deeper influences rather than create them. More longitudinal research is needed to understand how tattoos interact with self-image over time.
FAQ: Tattoos and Psychology
Do women with tattoos have lower self-esteem?
Yes, research suggests women with tattoos report lower self-esteem compared to women without tattoos. Tattoos often act as identity markers that help bridge the gap between a person’s real self and their ideal self.
Do tattoos improve confidence?
Some people feel more confident after getting a tattoo because it reinforces their identity or sense of uniqueness. However, studies show tattoos don’t permanently raise self-esteem—they often reflect existing insecurities.
Are tattoos linked to risky behavior?
Yes, one study found tattooed women were more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as casual sex, alcohol use, and drug use. However, tattoos are increasingly mainstream, so these differences may be shrinking.
Do tattoos affect body image?
Interestingly, tattoos don’t appear to worsen body image. Both tattooed and non-tattooed women report similar dissatisfaction with their bodies. Tattoos may serve more as a symbolic tool for identity than a direct fix for body concerns.
What do tattoos say about psychology?
Psychologists see tattoos as more than body art. They can reflect identity creation, emotional expression, and sometimes attempts to cope with low self-esteem or personal struggles.
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