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Adli Tıp Perspektifinden Öz-Dövme Davranışı: Kendine Zarar Verme, Psikopati ve Suç Örüntüsü ile İlişkisi

Yıl 2025, Cilt: 35 Sayı: 4, 714 - 727, 29.08.2025
https://doi.org/10.54005/geneltip.1695272

Öz

Amaç: Bu çalışma, bireylerin kendi vücutlarına dikiş iğnesi gibi ilkel araçlarla yaptıkları öz-dövmeleri inceleyerek, bu grubun sosyodemografik, psikolojik ve kriminal özelliklerini değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır.
Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışma, 2020 yılında cezai sorumluluğu değerlendirilen 200 dövmeli birey ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Öz-dövme davranışı sergileyen (n=66) ve sergilemeyen (n=134) bireyler yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler ve psikometrik testlerle değerlendirilmiştir. Ölçekler arasında Barratt Dürtüsellik Ölçeği-11, Levenson Öz Bildirim Psikopati Ölçeği, Beden Algısı Ölçeği, Rosenberg Benlik Saygısı Ölçeği ve Hamilton Anksiyete Değerlendirme Ölçeği yer almaktadır.
Bulgular: Öz-dövmelerin tamamı dikiş iğnesi ile yapılmış olup, genellikle el sırtı ve ön kol iç yüzü gibi dominant olmayan vücut bölgelerine yerleştirilmiştir. Öz-dövme grubunda eğitim düzeyi düşüklüğü, düzensiz veya hiç çalışma öyküsü, aile dışı kurumsal bakımda büyüme ve daha erken yaşta suçla tanışma gibi risk faktörleri daha sık görülmüştür. Psikolojik değerlendirmelerde ise öz-dövmesi olan bireylerin, diğer gruba kıyasla anlamlı düzeyde daha yüksek dürtüsellik, psikopatik eğilim, anksiyete, olumsuz beden algısı ve düşük benlik saygısı gösterdiği belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca bu bireylerin tamamının en az bir tür kendine zarar verici davranış geçmişi bulunduğu görülmüştür.
Sonuç: Öz-dövme davranışı yalnızca estetik bir tercih değil, psikososyal sorunların ve kriminal riskin dışavurumu olarak değerlendirilmelidir. Öz-dövmeler, adli tıpta bireyin yaşam öyküsü, ruhsal durumu ve davranış örüntüleri hakkında önemli ipuçları sunabilecek niteliktedir. Bu bağlamda, öz-dövmelerin adli değerlendirme süreçlerine sistematik şekilde dâhil edilmesi önerilmektedir.

Kaynakça

  • 1. Çerikan FU, Alanko MR. Etymology and a brief history of tattooing in different languages. The Journal of Pamukkale University Social Sciences Institute. 2016;(Ek 1):166–93.
  • 2. Kılıç Karatay S. A forgotten tradition in Aksaray: tattoo art. J Awareness. 2019;3(5):151–6. doi:10.26809/joa.2018548625.
  • 3. Begiç NH, Çapık HÖ. Stamps/tattoos in Anatolian culture: the case of Mardin. Milli Folklor. 2020;32(126).
  • 4. Yücel ÖD, Çevik A. Tattoo as a display of identity. Kriz Dergisi. 2015;23(1-2-3):17-26. https://doi.org/10.1501/Kriz_0000000343.
  • 5. Gell A. Wrapping in Images: Tattooing in Polynesia. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 1993. doi:10.1093/oso/9780198273671.001.0001.
  • 6. Cains GE, Byard RW. The forensic and cultural implications of tattooing. In: Tsokos M, editor. Forensic Pathology Reviews. Vol. 5. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press; 2009:197–220. doi:10.1007/978-1-59745-110-9_11.
  • 7. Tiggemann M, Golder F. Tattooing: an expression of uniqueness in the appearance domain. Body Image 2006;3(4):309–15. doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2006.09.002.
  • 8. Laumann AE, Derick AJ. Tattoos and body piercings in the United States: A national data set. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;55(3):413–21. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2006.03.026.
  • 9. Sezgin H. Body perception and tattoo practices among youth in metropolitan cities [Master’s Thesis, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Institute of Science, Department of Architecture]. Available at: https://acikbilim.yok.gov.tr/handle/20.500.12812/630775 (Accessed: 8 May 2025).
  • 10. van Oosterzee A. Are you regretting your tattoo? The effects of demographical variables, initial motivations, impulsiveness, tattoo characteristics, daily events, and the decision-making process on having regrets about a tattoo [Master’s Thesis, University of Twente]. Available at: https://essay.utwente.nl/59660/1/scriptie_A_Oosterzee.pdf (Accessed: 8 May 2025).
  • 11. Demirbaş H, Bulut G. Psychological motivations behind tattoo and piercing. The Journal of Kesit Academy. 2018;(17):38–49.
  • 12. Adams, J. Marked difference: Tattooing and its association with deviance in the United States. Deviant Behav. 2009;30(3):266–92. doi:10.1080/01639620802168817.
  • 13. Kertzman S, Kagan A, Vainder M, Lapidus R, Weizman A. Interactions between risky decisions, impulsiveness and smoking in young tattooed women. BMC Psychiatry. 2013;13:278. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-13-278.
  • 14. Deschesnes M, Finès P, Demers S. Are tattooing and body piercing indicators of risk-taking behaviours among high school students? J Adolesc. 2006;29(3):379-93. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2005.06.001.
  • 15. Wohlrab S, Fink B, Kappeler PM, Brewer G. Perception of human body modification. Pers Individ Dif. 2009;46(2):202–6. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2008.09.031.
  • 16. Borokhov A, Bastiaans R, Lerner V. Tattoo designs among drug abusers. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci. 2006;43(1):28-33. PMID: 16910382.
  • 17. Hamburger E, Lacovara DJ. A study of tattoos in inmates at a federal correctional institution—its physical and psychological implications. Mil Med. 1963 Dec;128(12):1205–11. doi:10.1093/milmed/128.12.1205.
  • 18. Miranda MD. Forensic analysis of tattoos and tattoo inks. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2019.
  • 19. Thomson W, McDonald JCH. Self-tattooing by schoolchildren. Lancet. 1983 Nov 26;322(8361):1243–4. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(83)91282-5.
  • 20. Güleç H, Tamam L, Yazıcı Güleç M, Turhan M, Karakuş G, Stanford MS. Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11. Bull Clin Psychopharmacol. 2008;18:251–8.
  • 21. Levenson M, Kiehl K, Fitzpatrick C. Assessing psychopathic attributes in a noninstitutionalized population. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1995;68:151–8. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.68.1.151
  • 22. Engeler A. Psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder [doctoral dissertation]. İstanbul: İstanbul University, Institute of Forensic Sciences; 2005 https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tezDetay.jsp?id=PKciPIMNCyLsK3jWxSZPcQ&no=YO0sVrI4Mx1qZqQDF6vMyA.
  • 23. Hovardaoğlu S. Vücut algısı ölçeği. Psikiyatr Psikol Psikofarmakol (3P) Derg. 1993;1(1):26.
  • 24. Çuhadaroğlu F. Adolesanlarda benlik saygısı [specialization thesis]. Ankara: Hacettepe Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi, Psikiyatri Anabilim Dalı; 1986.
  • 25. Carroll ST, Riffenburgh RH, Roberts TA, Myhre EB. Tattoos and body piercings as indicators of adolescent risk-taking behaviors. Pediatrics. 2002;109(6):1021–7. doi:10.1542/peds.109.6.1021.
  • 26. Roberts DJ. Secret ink: Tattoo's Tattoos' place in contemporary American culture. J Am Cult. 2012;35(2):153. doi:10.1111/j.1542-734X.2012.00804.x.
  • 27. Evrensel A, Ünsalver BÖ, Özsahin A. The relationship between aggression and serum thyroid hormone levels in individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. Arch Neuropsychiatr. 2016;53(2):120-5. doi:10.5152/npa.2015.9895.
  • 28. Howell RJ, Payne IR, Roe AV. Differences among behavioral variables, personal characteristics, and personality scores of tattooed and nontattooed prison inmates. J Res Crime Delinq. 1971;8(1):32–7. doi:10.1177/002242787100800104.
  • 29. Burma J. Self-tattooing among delinquents: a research note. In: Roach M, Eicher J, editors. Dress, adornment, and the social order. New York: John Wiley; 1965. p. 271–6.
  • 30. Wells RS. Amateur tattoos, emotional immaturity, and delinquentsdelinquency. Br J Clin Pract. 1964;18:227–30.
  • 31. Grumet GW. Psychodynamic implications of tattoos. Am J Orthopsychiatry. 1983;53(3):482–92. doi:10.1111/j.1939-0025.1983.tb03392.x.
  • 32. Lamberg, L. Prediction of violence: both art and science. JAMA. 1996;275(22):1712. doi:10.1001/jama.1996.03530460016006.
  • 33. Swami V, Tran US, Kuhlmann T, Stieger S, Gaughan H, Voracek M. More similar than different: Tattooed adults are only slightly more impulsive and willing to take risks than non-tattooed adults. Personality and Individual Differences. 2016;88:40-4.
  • 34. Birmingham L, Mason D, Grubin D. The psychiatric implications of visible tattoos in an adult male prison population. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry. 1999;10(3):687-95.
  • 35. Bilgiç Temel A, Parlakdağ A, Kötekoğlu D, Varol G, Koramaz FS, Bozkurt S, et al. Dövme ve "piercing"li kişilerin beden algısı, benlik saygısı ve mizaç özelliklerinin değerlendirilmesi: kontrollü bir çalışma. Akd Med J. 2016;2(3):127–32.
  • 36. Yücel ÖD. Personality traits, aspects of identity, and body perception in tattooed adults [Specialization Thesis, Ankara University, Faculty of Medicine]. Available at: https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tezDetay.jsp?id=NHOl2GNUg_Y6OEHPyGhEag&no=TBTuR9BJudISycSY11V9bA (Accessed: 8 May 2025).
  • 37. Özadmaca K. Comparison of personality characteristics, body perception, and self-esteem of individuals with and without tattoos. J Educ Soc 21st Century 2024;13(38):355–79.
  • 38. Pajor AJ, Broniarczyk-Dyła G, Świtalska J. Satisfaction with life, self-esteem, and evaluation of mental health in people with tattoos or piercings. Psychiatr Pol. 2015;49(3):559–73. doi:10.12740/PP/27266.

Self-Tattooing from a Forensic Medicine Perspective: Its Relationship with Self-Harm, Psychopathy, and Criminal Patterns

Yıl 2025, Cilt: 35 Sayı: 4, 714 - 727, 29.08.2025
https://doi.org/10.54005/geneltip.1695272

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.

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.

Destekleyen Kurum

Adli Tıp Kurumu

Teşekkür

I would like to thank the Council of Forensic Medicine for providing the opportunity to conduct this study.

Kaynakça

  • 1. Çerikan FU, Alanko MR. Etymology and a brief history of tattooing in different languages. The Journal of Pamukkale University Social Sciences Institute. 2016;(Ek 1):166–93.
  • 2. Kılıç Karatay S. A forgotten tradition in Aksaray: tattoo art. J Awareness. 2019;3(5):151–6. doi:10.26809/joa.2018548625.
  • 3. Begiç NH, Çapık HÖ. Stamps/tattoos in Anatolian culture: the case of Mardin. Milli Folklor. 2020;32(126).
  • 4. Yücel ÖD, Çevik A. Tattoo as a display of identity. Kriz Dergisi. 2015;23(1-2-3):17-26. https://doi.org/10.1501/Kriz_0000000343.
  • 5. Gell A. Wrapping in Images: Tattooing in Polynesia. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 1993. doi:10.1093/oso/9780198273671.001.0001.
  • 6. Cains GE, Byard RW. The forensic and cultural implications of tattooing. In: Tsokos M, editor. Forensic Pathology Reviews. Vol. 5. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press; 2009:197–220. doi:10.1007/978-1-59745-110-9_11.
  • 7. Tiggemann M, Golder F. Tattooing: an expression of uniqueness in the appearance domain. Body Image 2006;3(4):309–15. doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2006.09.002.
  • 8. Laumann AE, Derick AJ. Tattoos and body piercings in the United States: A national data set. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;55(3):413–21. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2006.03.026.
  • 9. Sezgin H. Body perception and tattoo practices among youth in metropolitan cities [Master’s Thesis, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Institute of Science, Department of Architecture]. Available at: https://acikbilim.yok.gov.tr/handle/20.500.12812/630775 (Accessed: 8 May 2025).
  • 10. van Oosterzee A. Are you regretting your tattoo? The effects of demographical variables, initial motivations, impulsiveness, tattoo characteristics, daily events, and the decision-making process on having regrets about a tattoo [Master’s Thesis, University of Twente]. Available at: https://essay.utwente.nl/59660/1/scriptie_A_Oosterzee.pdf (Accessed: 8 May 2025).
  • 11. Demirbaş H, Bulut G. Psychological motivations behind tattoo and piercing. The Journal of Kesit Academy. 2018;(17):38–49.
  • 12. Adams, J. Marked difference: Tattooing and its association with deviance in the United States. Deviant Behav. 2009;30(3):266–92. doi:10.1080/01639620802168817.
  • 13. Kertzman S, Kagan A, Vainder M, Lapidus R, Weizman A. Interactions between risky decisions, impulsiveness and smoking in young tattooed women. BMC Psychiatry. 2013;13:278. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-13-278.
  • 14. Deschesnes M, Finès P, Demers S. Are tattooing and body piercing indicators of risk-taking behaviours among high school students? J Adolesc. 2006;29(3):379-93. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2005.06.001.
  • 15. Wohlrab S, Fink B, Kappeler PM, Brewer G. Perception of human body modification. Pers Individ Dif. 2009;46(2):202–6. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2008.09.031.
  • 16. Borokhov A, Bastiaans R, Lerner V. Tattoo designs among drug abusers. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci. 2006;43(1):28-33. PMID: 16910382.
  • 17. Hamburger E, Lacovara DJ. A study of tattoos in inmates at a federal correctional institution—its physical and psychological implications. Mil Med. 1963 Dec;128(12):1205–11. doi:10.1093/milmed/128.12.1205.
  • 18. Miranda MD. Forensic analysis of tattoos and tattoo inks. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2019.
  • 19. Thomson W, McDonald JCH. Self-tattooing by schoolchildren. Lancet. 1983 Nov 26;322(8361):1243–4. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(83)91282-5.
  • 20. Güleç H, Tamam L, Yazıcı Güleç M, Turhan M, Karakuş G, Stanford MS. Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11. Bull Clin Psychopharmacol. 2008;18:251–8.
  • 21. Levenson M, Kiehl K, Fitzpatrick C. Assessing psychopathic attributes in a noninstitutionalized population. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1995;68:151–8. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.68.1.151
  • 22. Engeler A. Psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder [doctoral dissertation]. İstanbul: İstanbul University, Institute of Forensic Sciences; 2005 https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tezDetay.jsp?id=PKciPIMNCyLsK3jWxSZPcQ&no=YO0sVrI4Mx1qZqQDF6vMyA.
  • 23. Hovardaoğlu S. Vücut algısı ölçeği. Psikiyatr Psikol Psikofarmakol (3P) Derg. 1993;1(1):26.
  • 24. Çuhadaroğlu F. Adolesanlarda benlik saygısı [specialization thesis]. Ankara: Hacettepe Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi, Psikiyatri Anabilim Dalı; 1986.
  • 25. Carroll ST, Riffenburgh RH, Roberts TA, Myhre EB. Tattoos and body piercings as indicators of adolescent risk-taking behaviors. Pediatrics. 2002;109(6):1021–7. doi:10.1542/peds.109.6.1021.
  • 26. Roberts DJ. Secret ink: Tattoo's Tattoos' place in contemporary American culture. J Am Cult. 2012;35(2):153. doi:10.1111/j.1542-734X.2012.00804.x.
  • 27. Evrensel A, Ünsalver BÖ, Özsahin A. The relationship between aggression and serum thyroid hormone levels in individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. Arch Neuropsychiatr. 2016;53(2):120-5. doi:10.5152/npa.2015.9895.
  • 28. Howell RJ, Payne IR, Roe AV. Differences among behavioral variables, personal characteristics, and personality scores of tattooed and nontattooed prison inmates. J Res Crime Delinq. 1971;8(1):32–7. doi:10.1177/002242787100800104.
  • 29. Burma J. Self-tattooing among delinquents: a research note. In: Roach M, Eicher J, editors. Dress, adornment, and the social order. New York: John Wiley; 1965. p. 271–6.
  • 30. Wells RS. Amateur tattoos, emotional immaturity, and delinquentsdelinquency. Br J Clin Pract. 1964;18:227–30.
  • 31. Grumet GW. Psychodynamic implications of tattoos. Am J Orthopsychiatry. 1983;53(3):482–92. doi:10.1111/j.1939-0025.1983.tb03392.x.
  • 32. Lamberg, L. Prediction of violence: both art and science. JAMA. 1996;275(22):1712. doi:10.1001/jama.1996.03530460016006.
  • 33. Swami V, Tran US, Kuhlmann T, Stieger S, Gaughan H, Voracek M. More similar than different: Tattooed adults are only slightly more impulsive and willing to take risks than non-tattooed adults. Personality and Individual Differences. 2016;88:40-4.
  • 34. Birmingham L, Mason D, Grubin D. The psychiatric implications of visible tattoos in an adult male prison population. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry. 1999;10(3):687-95.
  • 35. Bilgiç Temel A, Parlakdağ A, Kötekoğlu D, Varol G, Koramaz FS, Bozkurt S, et al. Dövme ve "piercing"li kişilerin beden algısı, benlik saygısı ve mizaç özelliklerinin değerlendirilmesi: kontrollü bir çalışma. Akd Med J. 2016;2(3):127–32.
  • 36. Yücel ÖD. Personality traits, aspects of identity, and body perception in tattooed adults [Specialization Thesis, Ankara University, Faculty of Medicine]. Available at: https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tezDetay.jsp?id=NHOl2GNUg_Y6OEHPyGhEag&no=TBTuR9BJudISycSY11V9bA (Accessed: 8 May 2025).
  • 37. Özadmaca K. Comparison of personality characteristics, body perception, and self-esteem of individuals with and without tattoos. J Educ Soc 21st Century 2024;13(38):355–79.
  • 38. Pajor AJ, Broniarczyk-Dyła G, Świtalska J. Satisfaction with life, self-esteem, and evaluation of mental health in people with tattoos or piercings. Psychiatr Pol. 2015;49(3):559–73. doi:10.12740/PP/27266.
Toplam 38 adet kaynakça vardır.

Ayrıntılar

Birincil Dil İngilizce
Konular Adli Tıp
Bölüm Original Article
Yazarlar

Ahmet Depreli 0000-0001-5941-2358

Faruk Aşıcıoğlu 0000-0003-1691-6171

Abdulkadir Tabo 0009-0008-7534-3768

Erken Görünüm Tarihi 29 Ağustos 2025
Yayımlanma Tarihi 29 Ağustos 2025
Gönderilme Tarihi 8 Mayıs 2025
Kabul Tarihi 2 Haziran 2025
Yayımlandığı Sayı Yıl 2025 Cilt: 35 Sayı: 4

Kaynak Göster

Vancouver Depreli A, Aşıcıoğlu F, Tabo A. Self-Tattooing from a Forensic Medicine Perspective: Its Relationship with Self-Harm, Psychopathy, and Criminal Patterns. Genel Tıp Derg. 2025;35(4):714-27.