Tattooing+-+An+increasing+public+health+issue+for+Generation+Y.

=== ** Meering Anderson **  ** ID: n83535314 **  ** Tutor: Abbey Diaz **   ===

** Artifact **


Generation Y has embraced the culture of tattooing in the similar way to which they have embraced facebook. This tattoo portrays the ‘like’ symbol from facebook but it is used with an opposite meaning ‘You don’t have to like me’. Tattooing is a form of self expression, self identity and independence. Within their conforming society, Generation Y can express their identity and individuality by tattooing their bodies.

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Tattoos are an increasingly prevalent form of self-expression, especially for the adolescents of Generation Y (Stephens, 2003).Due to the rising popularity of this body modification, tattooing has been described as a public health issue of increasing importance (Huxley & Grogan, 2005). Statistics from the Pew Research Center (2007) show that 36% of 18-25 year olds have at least one tattoo. As these youth are making hasty and immature decisions, they subsequently may not fully considering the physical, psychological and social risks associated with tattooing (Stickel, 2007). Stickel (2007) states, these two following health risks are not considered when acquiring a tattoo. Firstly, the physical risk is the process of the needles piercing the skin that places youth at risk of blood borne diseases and infections. The second risk is the societal consequences. Tattoos are somewhat more widely accepted in society today but they still carry a certain stigma which may lead to differential treatment and discrimination (Stickel, 2007; Kang & Jones, 2007). In addition, research also shows youths who have tattoos are more likely to be associated with higher levels of risk taking behaviours (Roberts & Ryan, 2002; Stephens, 2003; Deschesnes, Finès & Demers, 2006). =====

** Literature Review **
The ancient practice of tattooing has existed for thousands of years and has been widely used among many cultures, but has only recently moved into mainstream Western culture (Stickel, 2007).According to Huxley & Grogan (2005, p. 832), tattooing is described as ‘a procedure that involves the puncture of the skin so that a dye may be inserted into the dermal layer to achieve a permanent design’. In some societies, tattoos are an integral part of the cultural belief system, and in others, they are symbols of societal outcasts. Until the 1970s, this form of body modification was often associated with deviant or criminal behaviour and some studies show that in groups such as prison and military populations still suggest that this practice still belongs in the realm of deviance (Deschesnes, Finès & Demers, 2006). However, not only are tattoos becoming a more socially diverse group, they are becoming a younger group as well with large popularity amongst Generation Y (Stickel, 2007). The adolescent tattooing trend was likely initiated by the media, and has quickly gained popularity among adolescents and their peer groups (Stickel, 2007). This practice is perceived more and more as adornment or artwork, increasingly belonging to the realm of generational conformity (Deschesnes, Finès & Demers, 2006).

In a conformist world, it is difficult for generation Y to create one’s own identity and an authentic sense of self ( Yerbury, 2010). At a stage when young people are seeking to assert their independence, tattoos enable an important means of self-expression and self-identity (Stephens, 2003). While men and women both get tattoos, men are more likely to use tattoos to reinforce traditional notions of masculinity, whereas women often both defy and reproduce conventional standards of femininity (Kang & Jones, 2007). Research that studied the motivations for why people obtain a tattoo (Wohlrab, Stahl & Kappeler, 2007), discovered that what people valued most about their own body modifications was ‘being different’, showing that tattoos can resemble attempts to accentuate one's sense of self-identity as well as ‘to attain mastery and control over the body’. There were a number of motivations that this study discovered showing that individuality, resistance, group affiliations and commitment were among the most prominent motivating factors for tattooing (Wohlrab, Stahl & Kappeler, 2007). Although Generation Y feels they have to express their individuality through acquiring tattoos, they are at the same time right back where they were in a conforming generation. To put this more clearly, Kang & Jones (2007) stated that the tattooed body serves as a canvas to record the struggles between conformity and resistance, power and victimization, individualism and group membership.

Even though Generation Y may have found a way in which they can express themselves, they are not aware of not only a physical risk of attaining a blood born disease but also societal risk taking behaviours. There have been several studies that have discovered significant links between tattooing and risk taking behaviour and the social and cultural factors surrounding this issue (Roberts & Ryan, 2002; Stephens, 2003; Deschesnes, Finès & Demers, 2006). An analysis of a Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health by Roberts & Ryan (2002) examined socio-demographic variables in the prevalence of tattoos amongst adolescents. In families from the lowest income quartile, adolescents were significantly more likely to be tattooed (6.8%) than adolescents from families in the highest income quartile (3.2%). Adolescents from single-parent households were twice as likely to be tattooed (6.4% vs 3.2%). Youths whose parents had a high school education or less were more likely to be tattooed (7.2%) compared to parents who had a college education or more were less likely to have been tattooed (2.4%). The study did however show that gender, ethnicity and neighbourhood type were not significantly associated with tattooing.

This study (Roberts & Ryan, 2002) more importantly demonstrated the strong relation between tattooing and risk taking behaviour. In relation to substance abuse, 63% of tattooed and 26% of non-tattooed adolescents reported smoking. Tattooed adolescents (44%) were more likely to be involved in a physical fight than non-tattooed adolescents (32%). In the area of sexual activity, 83% of tattooed adolescents reported a history of sexual intercourse compared with 36% of non-tattooed adolescents. As previously identified, tattooing does not only come with a stigma of deviance but also can be associated with high risk taking behaviour amongst adolescence.

As mentioned earlier, there is also the physical health risk in the actual procedure of tattooing that many youths lack awareness of. Diseases can be transmitted through the use of needles that were contaminated or through the use of contaminated dyes and sponges. Evidence has shown that Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C, HIV and Syphilis are some of the blood born diseases transferred through tattoo needles (Nishioka & Gyorkos, 2001). Some epidemiologic studies have also found a significant association between tattooing and HBV infection in different settings and populations (Nishioka & Gyorkos, 2001).

** Social and Cultural Analysis **

Sanders (as cited in Patterson & Schroder, 2010) describes the tattoo as an ‘expressive symbol’, the acquisition of which is motivated by decoration, protection, ritual and identification. Generation Y feel the stresses of conformity and mistrust in modern life, therefore they have embraced tattooing as individuals to seek out avenues for individuation and self-fulfillment (Koch, Roberts, Harms Cannon, Armstrong & Owen, 2007). It is argued that this need is especially prevalent amongst these youth, due to their limited power and control over their own lives (Koch et al, 2007). In expressing themselves as individuals this generation is creating a group or a culture within a culture itself. It can be described that tattooing becomes an intricate component of the development of the social self for some individuals (Koch et al, 2007). However, these social approaches cannot fully account for the decision to become tattooed.

Ajzen and Fishbein’s Theory of Reasoned Action (1980, as cited in Koch et al, 2007)argues that beliefs inform attitudes which, in turn, create behavioural intentions which predict human behaviour. It is important to how view this generation acts from a social and cultural prospective. Here we are exploring Generation Y’s conforming behaviour within their social structure. They dress, act and respond to each other with conforming mannerisms, style and experiences. But this behaviour is not always embraced by all and the new behaviour of individuality is created through expression of tattoos. However, from this culture of tattooing evolves a new kind of conformity and social identity. Appling the Reasoned Action theory shows the initial conforming behaviour can predict that the behavioural change to individuality will then return the generation to a conformist state.

In order to understand why Generation Y obtain tattoos despite knowing the several health risks associated with tattooing Koch et al (2007) discusses the use of The Health Belief Model ( Becker, 1974, 1993; Rosenstock, 1966; Rosenstock et al. 1988). This research applies the basic components of the Health Belief Model (Susceptibility, Seriousness, Compliance, Barriers, and Self-Efficacy) to tattooing—a behaviour that is not so clearly understood as hazardous to one’s health. This study uses the Health Belief Model (HBM) to explain the degree to which the decision to get a tattoo is informed by one’s knowledge and assessment of health risks (Koch et al, 2007). One aspect is the Self –Efficacy component. This looks at the beliefs that are influenced by the knowledge about diseases related to tattooing and the influence which parents and friends have on the decision making process to obtain a tattoo. It is shown that the higher the self –efficacy in an adolescent, the less likely they would acquire a tattoo (Koch et al, 2007). The varied components of the HBM illustrate that deciding to obtain a tattoo is a complex and deliberative process that accounts for physical as well as socio-emotional risks (Koch et al, 2007).

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">** Analysis of Artifact and Reflections **
<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">This tattooed forearm depicts generation Y perfectly. Generation Y are a very conforming generation but they also feel the need to express their individuality and this is often done through tattooing. Individuals base a decision to get a tattoo on the norms which emerge from their association with significant others (Koch et al, 2007).However, there are a number of physical and social risk factors associated with tattooing, many of which, Generation Y are not aware. As research has shown (Roberts & Ryan 2002), tattooing has been associated with high levels of risk taking behaviour. Given the strong links between these behaviours, tattooing on an adolescent can serve as a useful, easily visible, clinical marker that may identify adolescents who are at a higher risk for engaging in risk behaviour (Roberts & Ryan 2002). This method of identification can also be used to search for the physical risks of blood born diseases that can be passed on through the process of tattooing. By recognizing these behaviours this public health issue can be addressed with care.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">In reflection, this assessment has helped me to understand some of the social and cultural reasons why adolescence within a generation need to express themselves. The broad topic of ‘Otherness’ has encouraged me to think about how society and culture shape people and why people create their own identity in conforming society.

**REFLECTIONS**

 * WIKI: A review of alcohol related violence and prevention strategies in remote Indigenous communities. **

For my first assignment in 209, my focus was also on the issues of Aboriginal Australians. It was great to read that you had some similar ideas and focus points as I did. I agreed that one of the main problems of the NT intervention was that there was no consultation with Aboriginal elders and community members on the policies that were created. Furthermore, that the policies that are being created are focusing too much on assimilating aboriginal people into white Australian culture and not recognizing their cultural needs. You mentioned there are several reasons why aboriginal people may turn to alcoholism; I also discovered in my research, the fact that there is no formal treaty in Australia is a huge underlying issue along with colonisation. It saddens me when I hear people saying that Aboriginals should not blame white Australians for the situation they are in and that it is their problem. It would seem that in light of this research, there are many deeper issues that need to be considered about when discussing this topic.


 * WIKI: Can you feel the pain if you were me?**

This is a very interesting issue that you have chosen to focus on. I was not aware of such a practice among these populations. I was amazed at the very high prevalence of FGM in Gambia. How did you come across this topic? I think that your artefact is a great portrayal of your discussion piece and represents the issue perfectly. Being that I am not a religious person myself, I find it very hard to understand how people are forced to follow certain religions and cultures that have such horrible traditions. In saying that however, I can understand how most of the time it would seem that they do not have a choice and must follow cultural ways or be outcast from society. Health, culture and society - you summed it up perfectly.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">** References **
<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Huxley, C & Grogan, S. (2005). Tattooing, Piercing, Healthy Behaviours and Health Value. //Journal of Psychology//, 10(6), 831-841. doi: 10.1177/1359105305057317

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Kang, M & Jones, K. (2007). Why do people get tattoos? //American Sociological Association,// 6(1), 42-47. doi: ctx.2007.6.1

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Koch, J., Roberts, A., Harms Cannon, J., Armstrong, M & Owen, D. (2007). College Students, Tattooing, <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">and The Health Belief Model: Extending Social Psychological Perspectives on Youth Culture and Deviance. //Sociological Spectrum.// 25(1), 79-102. doi.org/10.1080/027321790500121

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<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Deschesnes, M., Finès, P. & Demers, S. (2006). Are tattooing and body piercing indicators of risk-taking behaviours among high school students? //Journal of Adolescence//, [| 29(3] ), 379-393. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2005.06.001 =====

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<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Nishioka, S & Gyorkos, T. (2001). Tattoos as risk factors for transfusion –transmitted diseases. //International Journal of Infectious Diseases.// 5(1), 27-34. doi:10.1016/S1201-9712(01)90045-1 =====

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Patterson, M & Schroder, J. (2010). Borderlines: Skin, tattoos and consumer, culture society. //Marketing Theory//, 10(3), 253-267. doi: 10.1177/1470593110373191

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Roberts, T & Ryan, S. (2002). Tattooing and High-Risk Behavior in Adolescents. //Pediatrics//, 110(6), 1058. Retrieved 19th October 2011 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/ehost/detail?sid=6ccb7c9e-837f-444d-a9e7-c9ba1746547a%40sessionmgr111&vid=1&hid=104&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=afh&AN=8591862

<span class="slug-doi" style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Stephens, M. (2003). Behavioural Risks Associated with Tattooing. Family Medicine, 35(1), 52-54. Retrieved 19th October 2011 from https://www.stfm.org/fmhub/fm2003/jan03/cram.pdf

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Stickel, T. L. (2007). Tattooing and high-risk behaviour among adolescents. West Virginia University, //ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis.// Retrieved 17th October 2011 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/304809078?accountid=13380

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">The Pew Research Center. (2007). The Tattoo Divide. Retrieved 17th October 2011 from http://pewresearch.org/databank/dailynumber/?NumberID=927

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Wohlrab, S,. Stahl, J & Kappeler, P. (2007). Modifying the body: Motivations for getting tattooed and pierced. //Body Image//, 4(1), 87-95. doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2006.12.001

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"> Yerbury, H. (2010). Who to be? Generations X and Y in civil society online. //Youth studies Australia//, 29 (2) , p. 25. Retrieved 3rd October 2011 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=2ade8406-5719-4a2e-a3dd-d1e25493db5f%40sessionmgr110&vid=2&hid=111