Tattoos and Body Piercings as Indicators of Adolescent Risk-Taking Behaviors

This study assessed tattoos & body piercings as markers of risk-taking behaviors in adolescents. Researchers found that participants with tattoos &/or body piercings were more likely to have engaged in risk-taking behaviours & at greater degrees of involvement than those without either. These included disordered eating behaviour, gateway drug use, hard drug use, sexual activity, & suicide. Tattoos & body piercings were found to be more common in females than males. (18 refs)