Tattoos, childhood sexual abuse and adult psychiatric disorder in women

Background: Tattoos in women have been described in clinical samples as being associated with psychopathology, child sexual abuse (CSA), personality problems or alcohol abuse. Method: A random community study of New Zealand women being primarily investigated to assess the coping strategies of those reporting CSA gathered information about tattoos, and indicators of different types of psychosocial problems. Results: Women with tattoos were more likely to be younger, to drink more alcohol, to have more psychiatric symptoms and to show borderline personality features than were the non tattooed women. They were also more likely to report CSA. Conclusions: Tattoos in women are statistically linked to CSA, and to later psychopathology in some women.