Self-Tattooing from a Forensic Medicine Perspective: Its Relationship with Self-Harm, Psychopathy, and Criminal Patterns
Öz
ABSTRACT
Aim: This study aims to examine self-inflicted tattooing behaviors performed by individuals using primitive tools such as sewing needles and to evaluate the sociodemographic, psychological, and criminal characteristics associated with this group.
Methods: The study was conducted in 2020 with 200 tattooed individuals whose criminal responsibility was under forensic evaluation. Participants who exhibited self-inflicted tattooing behavior (n = 66) and those who did not (n = 134) were assessed through semi-structured interviews and psychometric tests. The applied scales included the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LRSP), Body Image Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A).
Results: Participants in the self-inflicted tattoo group were more likely to have lower educational attainment, irregular or no work history, institutional upbringing, and earlier exposure to crime. Psychometric evaluations revealed significantly higher levels of impulsivity, psychopathic tendencies, anxiety, negative body image, and lower self-esteem in this group. All individuals with self-inflicted tattoos reported at least one form of self-harming behavior.
Conclusion: Self-inflicted tattooing is not merely an aesthetic choice but may reflect deeper psychosocial problems and criminal risk factors. These tattoos can provide valuable clues regarding an individual’s psychological profile and life history during forensic assessments. Thus, systematic inclusion of self-inflicted tattoo evaluation in medico-legal examinations is recommended.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Tattooing, Self-injurious behavior, Impulsive Behavior, Self Concept
Destekleyen Kurum
Adli Tıp Kurumu
Etik Beyan
All ethical principles were observed in the conduct of this study, which was carried out in accordance with applicable institutional and national ethical standards for research involving human participants. Ethical approval was granted by the Scientific Research and Education Committee of the Council of Forensic Medicine (Decision No: 21589509/2020/86, dated 25 February 2020). Additionally, the study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (1964) and its subsequent revisions.
Participants were clearly informed that the data collected would be used solely for scientific research and thesis purposes, and that participation would not influence their psychiatric assessment or forensic reporting in any way. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants through a signed informed consent form, and participation was entirely voluntary.
Teşekkür
I would like to thank the Council of Forensic Medicine for providing the opportunity to conduct this study.
Kaynakça
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