Concurrent Sessions

Tattooing: A Vehicle for Self-Expression

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Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine if, and how, tattooing communicates the self. This study was the first to combine the Public, Private, and Secret Self Model (Eicher & Miller, 1994) and Proximity of Clothing to the Self (Sontag & Schlater, 1982). A convenience sample of 200 individuals who patronize tattoo parlors were included in the study. Data were collected through a 51-item written survey including 15 items from the Proximity of Clothing to Self (PCS) scale. Prior to data collection, public, private, and secret locations of male and female bodies were determined.

How to Cite:

Luzier, L. A. & Miller, K. A., (1998) “Tattooing: A Vehicle for Self-Expression”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 1999(1).