A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that adults with more extensive tattoo coverage may show higher levels of certain personality traits, particularly antagonism and impulsivity. The research, released on Mar. 9, involved a community sample of 280 adults aged 18 to 64 in Cyprus.
The findings are relevant as tattoos have become increasingly common forms of self-expression worldwide. Understanding how tattoo coverage relates to personality traits could help clarify the psychological meaning of body art in contemporary society.
Researchers used a questionnaire to collect demographic information, details about tattoos, and responses to the Personality Inventory for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Brief Form (PID-5-BF). Tattooed participants scored higher on the Disinhibition domain—indicating greater impulsive tendencies—compared to those without tattoos. The study also found that individuals with larger areas of their bodies tattooed tended to score higher on both Antagonism and Disinhibition domains than those with less or no tattoo coverage.
The analysis showed that measuring tattoo involvement by percentage of body surface area covered was more informative than simply counting the number of tattoos. While having any tattoo was linked with slightly higher impulsivity, greater overall coverage was associated with stronger antagonistic tendencies such as hostility or interpersonal conflict.
Despite these associations, researchers emphasized that the effects were modest. Tattoos should not be interpreted as signs of psychological disorder but rather as expressions influenced by personality traits and cultural factors. The authors recommend further research using longitudinal studies and multiple methods to better understand these relationships.
