현대사회에서 나타난 타투 행위에 대한 질적 연구 : 국내 MZ세대를 중심으로

Abstract

In contemporary society, tattooing is used as a means of expressing one’s identity and beliefs. Recently, the image of tattoos has become positive, as tattoos are now actively consumed by the MZ generation. This study conducted in-depth interviews with 12 adults with tattoos. The purpose of this research was to examine the motivation for getting tattoos (RQ1), the symbolic meaning in tattoo design (RQ2), and the psychological experience after getting tattoos (RQ3). The result of RQ1 showed that participants have intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for getting tattoos. The main reasons are to identify with a celebrity, overcome mental trauma, and pursue an ideal self-image. In the case of RQ2, the design of tattoos varied widely from person to person, and the symbolic meaning contained within them was mainly related to the self. According to the result of RQ3, getting a tattoo has many positive psychological functions: it can help people to relieve their stress, improve self-attachment and satisfaction, and create a bond with the tattoo artist. This study contributes to the understanding of tattoo behavior, which is popular among the young generation nowadays. In particular, this study is significant in that it identified the psychological functions of tattoos based on various emotions experienced by participants after tattooing.