Tattooed narratives : a psychoanalytic perspective.
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Date
2013
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Abstract
Literature suggests that people do not only acquire tattoos for explicit motivations
such as fashion accessories or rebellion, but also because they express implicit meanings,
needs and motives. The aim of this study was to: a) use a psychoanalytically-informed
framework to understand the symbolic and representational process of the tattooed narrative,
b) explore what core psychodynamic factors appear salient in the subjects’ experiences and
history. A case study design was adopted, focussing on the narratives of the subjects in
relation to their tattoo(s). Narratives were elicited using psychoanalytic research interviewing
techniques (PRI). Six subjects were interviewed (4 females, 2 males aged between 23-42)
who had existing permanent tattoos. Results of this study indicated that tattoos served an
adaptive function and act as transitional objects to facilitate transformative relationships. This
was particularly evident in the process of mourning and spirituality. Further, the concreteness
and permanency of the tattoos assisted the subjects in reducing anxiety during the period of
transition. Results suggested that tattoos may also serve a defensive function when associated
with themes of destruction. A general motivation for ‘asserting’ an insecure part of the self by
making it permanent was also identified.
Description
M.A. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.
Keywords
Tattooing., Body art., Psychoanalysis., Theses--Clinical psychology.