The Relationship Between Body Modifications and Psychological Factors

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Body modifications are not just for the rough and tough anymore. The popularity of basic modifications such as piercings and tattoos has increased since the 1990’s and continues increasing. They can be a sign of memorabilia for a certain life event, express individuality, or be used to conform to the current trends. Most people do not think about the possible relationship between body modifications and psychological factors. With their growing popularity, Americans should become more concerned with the psychological problems that relate to body modifications. Body modifications are not just tattoos and piercings, although those are the most popular. Plastic surgery, body building, dermal implants, tongue splitting, and ritual cuttings can all be considered as other forms of body modification (Gonsalves et al. 351). Regular lobe ear piercings are not considered body modifications because of their popularity. Body modifications should not be thought of as the reason for psychological problems. Instead, psychological problems could be the cause of body modifications. Body modifications can be used to establish identity, show feelings or emotions, strengthen self-confidence, or can symbolize an event or experience. Mary Kosut considers tattoos in particular an “ironic fad,” because fads are fleeting but tattoos are forever (1040). No matter how decorative or artistic a tattoo or body piercing may be, studies have found that people with tattoos and piercings have a higher tendency to be depressed or have other psychiatric disorders such as self-harm or eating disorders (Aizenmapepn and Jensen 28). Other studies link multiple tattoos with anti-social and assaultive behaviors (Favazza 153). Doctors suspect the motivation behind bod... ... middle of paper ... ...a Core Group of Participants Practicing Body Modification.” Psychotherapy Research. 18.3 (2008): 326-333. Academic Search Complete. Web. 8 Nov. 2013. Kosut, Mary. “An Ironic Fad: The commodification and Consumption of Tattoos.” Journal of Popular Culture 39.6 (2006): 1035-1048. Academic Search Complete. Web. 6 Nov. 2013. Manuel, Laura and Eugene P. Sheehan. “Getting Inked: Tattoos and College Students.” College Student Journal 41.1 (2007): 1089-1097. Academic Search Complete. Web. 9 Nov. 2013. Roberti, Jonathan W., and Eric A. Storch. “Psychological Adjustment of College Students With Tattoos and Piercings.” Jounal of College Counseling 8.1 (2005): 14-19. Academic Search Complete. Web. 8 Nov. 2013. “Tattoos, Body Piercing, and Psychiatric Disorders.” Southern Medical Journal 91.10 (1998): S52-S53. Abstract. Academic Search Complete. Web. 8 Nov. 2013.

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