[Prevalence, sociodemography, mental health and gender differences of tattooing and body piercing].
OBJECTIVE
To obtain representative data on incidence and psychological background of tattooing and body piercing.


METHODS
Prevalence of tattooing and body piercing is derived from a representative survey (N = 2043, age 14-93 years). Data are evaluated with respect to mental health (GHQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and sensation-seeking (AISS).


RESULTS
The total prevalence of tattoo and piercing is 8.5 % and 6.8 %, respectively. In the age 14-44 15 % are tattooed and 14 % are pierced. Unemployment and lack of partnership correlate positively with body modifications. Tattooing correlates with the perception of reduced mental health and both, tattooing and body piercing correlate highly with increased "Sensation-Seeking" behaviour.


CONCLUSIONS
Gender specific investigations show a differentiated picture background for body modifications.
Stirn
Aglaja
A
Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Klinikum der JW-Goethe-Universität, Heinrich-Hoffmann-Strasse 10, 60528 Frankfurt am Main. stirn@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Brähler
Elmar
E
Hinz
Andreas
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001143:Arousal; D046288:Body Piercing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013653:Tattooing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*