TATTOOS, RISK-TAKING BEHAVIORS, AND RELIGIOSITY AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN TURKEY

Abstract

Tattooing is a common and popular practice in many countries. Estimates suggest that upwards of 25% of people living in the United States, Europe, and Australia have at least one tattoo (Kertzman, Kagan, Hegedish, Lapidus, & Weizman, 2019; Kluger, 2015). Multiple studies from different cultures suggest links between tattooing, religiosity, and risk-taking behaviors (Carroll et al., 2002; Stirn, Hinz, & Brahler, 2006). While limited research has explored tattoo stigma and its relationship with these variables, studies indicate that stigma is an important consideration when examining tattoos and tattoo experiences (Broussard & Harton, 2018). The current study first presents a Turkish translation and adaptation of the Martin Stigma against Tattoos Scale (MSATS; Martin & Dula, 2010), the first adaptation in Turkish. Secondly, we examine the inter-relationships between tattoos and tattoo stigma, religiosity, and risk-taking in a sample of young adults living in Istanbul, Turkey. A non-random convenience sampling technique generated a sample of 432 participants between the ages of 18 and 25. Participants completed an online survey assessing their tattoo-related attitudes and characteristics, religiosity, and engagement in a diverse set of risk-taking behaviors. The Turkish adaptation of the MSATS demonstrated validity and high reliability. Further, the main findings from our study demonstrated greater risk-taking behaviors among those with tattoos; that religiosity exhibited a negative relationship with both tattoos and risk-taking; and that stigma was predicted by tattoo status and age. There was no significant difference in grade point average between participants with and without tattoos. We interpret the findings in the context of Turkish cultural and social dynamics and link our findings to previous studies.