Perception of Tattoo’s among College Students

Kameron Miller and Dr. Robert Lindsey, Department of Health and Human Performance, Johnson C. Smith University, SHAPE America Conference, April 6, 2017

Abstract Methods and Data Analysis Results

• . College students face significant developmental challenges through their 4 years • Participants were African American college students in the Department of Health
of higher educational experiences. It is a time of physical, psychological, and and Human Performance.
emotional changes, transitioning from being a teenager to becoming an adult.
• Data was collected using a modified version of the Scale of Self-Efficacy (Kroll et
Normally tattoos have given wearers a rough and rugged stigma (Armstrong, 2000;
all., 2007).
Sperry, 1990). In this study you will find out that Tattoos are more commonly
associated with inner feelings and attitudes of an individuals’ self-expression. • Responses to the questions included the following: 1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 =
Disagree, 3 = Neutral, 4 = Agree, and 5 = Strongly Agree
• A convenient sample of students from classes in the Department of Health and
Human Performance at a small southeastern private historically black college and • Sample questions on the questionnaire included the following: I can be physically
university were utilized in the study. Data was be collected using a modified active or exercise if I had no access to a gym, exercise, training, or rehabilitation
version of the Tattoo Influence Survey (Varno & Travis, 2013). The survey contains facility, I can motivate myself to start being physically active or exercising again
25 questions in which the first four questions are the demographics: classification, after I've stopped for a while, and I can be physically active or exercise even when I
age, gender, and race. am tired.
• ” Chi square analysis were used to determine the difference between demographic • The variables of the study were the following;
categories and the Tattoos and the Influence on college students questions. • Independent variable: Demographics
Students reported a mean of 3.86 to Question 20, “ I feel that tattoos are socially
accepted among college students.” Students reported a mean of 3.46 to Question • Dependent variable: Perception of Self-Efficacy among College Students.
24, “ Employers form negative judgments about job candidates with tattoos.” • Chi square analysis were used to determine the difference between demographic
categories and the Tattoos and the Influence on college students questions.

Background • The data was analyzed using .05 level of significance. The SPSS program was
used to perform the statistical analysis.

• Managers have taken a defensive posture on this issue. Surveys of human

Results
resource managers and recruiters consistently report that job applicants with
visible tattoos are less likely to be hired (Swanger, 2006; Personnel Today,
2007).

• The link between employee appearance and customer prediction of service

performance is believed to occur through an evaluation of service provider
competence (Willis & Todorov, 2006).

Research Hypotheses References

• Armstrong, M.L., & Kelley, L. (2001). Tattooing, body piercing, and branding are on the rise:
Perspectives for school nurses. Journal of School Nursing, 711), 12-- 23.
1.) There was no significant difference between gender and their • Armstrong, M.L, Owen, D.C., Roberts. A.E., & Koch. J.R (2002). College students and tattoos:
The influence of image, identity, friends, and family. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing 40(10), 1-8.
perception of Tattoos. • Christensen, M.H. (2000). Photo essay: Tattoos. Public Health Reports, 115(5), 430-435.
• Drews, D.R., Allison, C.K., & Probst, J.R. (2000). Behavioral and self-concept differences on
tattooed and nontattooed college students, Psychological Reports, 86, 475-481
• Forbes, G.B. (2001). College students with tattoos and piercings: Motives, family experiences,
personality factors, and perception by others. To ogical Reports, 89, 774-786.
2.) There was no significant difference between classification and • Koch,J.R., Roberts, A.E., Armstrong, M.L., & Owen, D.C. (2002a). College students, tattooing,
and the Health Belief Model. Manuscript submitted for publication.
their perception of Tattoos.
• Meyers, D. (2000). Body piercing: Old traditions creating new challenges. Journal of Emergency
Nursing 26(6), 612-614.
• Sperry, K (1991). Tattoos and tattooing part I: History and methodology. The American Journal of
Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 124(4), 313-319.
• Turner, R.H., & Lewis, L.M. (1987). Collective behavior (3rd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-
Hall.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2000). Healthy people 2010. Washington, DC:
United States Government Printing Office.