@article {310637, title = {Modifying the body: motivations for getting tattooed and pierced.}, journal = {Body Image}, volume = {4}, year = {2007}, month = {03/2007}, pages = {87-95}, abstract = {

Body modifications have been prevalent for centuries and are practiced for a great variety of reasons. Lately, tattoos and body piercings have become increasingly popular. Thus, a profound understanding of the underlying motivations behind obtaining tattoos and body piercings nowadays is required. A considerable body of research on motivational aspects already exists, mainly using explorative approaches to describe motivations. In this paper we provide a review of the existing relevant literature. Furthermore, we establish ten broad motivational categories, comprising motivations for getting tattooed and body pierced, for reference in future research.

}, keywords = {Art, Beauty, Body Image, Body Piercing, Humans, Individuality, Motivation, Personal Space, Social Conformity, Social Identification, Tattooing}, issn = {1873-6807}, doi = {10.1016/j.bodyim.2006.12.001}, author = {Wohlrab, S. and Stahl, J. and Kappeler, P. M.} }