| In recent years, body art practices (tattoos and body piercings) have grown in popularity and prevalence (Adams, 2009; Wohlrab, Stahl, & Kappeler, 2007). Likewise, literature investigating psychological and behavioral correlates of body modified individuals has also expanded. After reviewing relevant literature it was evident that the area of body art and romantic relationships is under-researched. Existing literature in this area suggests potential costs (Martino & Lester, 2011) and benefits (Carmen, Guitar, & Dillon, 2012) of body art on romantic relationships. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential impact of body art on romantic relationship variables. Specifically the researchers hypothesized that extent and visibility of modification may differentially impact relationship esteem, relationship motivation, relationship monitoring, and relationship satisfaction. Second, researchers hypothesized that perceived partner similarity may impact relationship monitoring and relationship satisfaction. Third, researchers assessed whether participant age correlated with body art removal and body art remorse. Participants included a convenience sample of adults who have currently or have had body art. Results indicated no statistically significant correlations between extent and visibility of body art (body piercings and tattoos) for three of the four romantic relationship variables assessed (relationship monitoring, motivation, and satisfaction). However, there was a slight correlation between extent and visibility of tattoos (not piercings) and relationship esteem, yet these findings have little clinical relevance as they explain only a small portion of the variance. Analyses also revealed no clinically significant correlations between perceived partner similarity and relationship satisfaction or relationship monitoring. Results failed to demonstrate any clinically significant relationship between age and body art removal nor between age and body art remorse. Additionally, when asked specifically if possession of body art positively or negatively impacts romantic relationships, participants endorsed both benefits and consequences of body art on romantic relationships. These findings help to debunk social stigma about individuals who possess body art, but also suggest a need for further research in this area as the benefits and challenges of body art appear to be inextricably related. |
