Ink positive: how tattoos can heal the mind as well as adorn the body
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Emine Saner’s article “Ink positive: how tattoos can heal the mind as well as adorn the body”.
Explores the growing body of evidence that suggests that getting a tattoo can have positive psychological effects beyond just being a form of self-expression. The article begins by noting that tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years. Around one in five people in the UK now sporting some form of body art. While tattoos were once associated with subcultures and rebellion, they have now become more mainstream. People from all walks of life are opting to get tattooed.
Saner then delves into the research on the mental health benefits of tattoos. One study cited in the article found that getting a tattoo can provide a positive sense of empowerment and control, especially for those who have experienced trauma or loss. Another study suggested that tattoos can act as a form of self-care, allowing people to take ownership of their bodies and create a sense of personal identity.
The article also touches on the therapeutic potential of tattoos. Saner notes that some therapists have started using tattoos as a form of therapy. Clients get tattoos to mark important life events or to help them overcome trauma. The article includes several examples of people who have used tattoos as a way of healing, such as a woman who got a tattoo to commemorate her mother’s death and a man who got a tattoo to cover up self-harm scars.
Overall, Saner’s article is a compelling look at the growing body of research on the mental health and healing benefits of tattoos. He explores the ways in which tattoos can act as a form of self-expression, empowerment, and therapy. The article is nuanced and thought-provoking. It finds that the positive effects of tattooing outweigh the stigma or social negativity.