Tattoos embody autobiographical memories

Bibliographic Data

ID8252064
AuthorsKristina Klug (0000-0003-3644-0174, Goethe University Frankfurt, corresponding author), Christin Camia (0000-0002-7553-2349, Zayed University), Sonja Rohrmann (0000-0003-1772-9343, Goethe University Frankfurt)
Year2024
Volume3
Publication date2024-01-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMemory Mind & Media (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2635-0238 • E-ISSN: 2635-0238
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/mem.2024.6
OpenAlexW4392665520
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited65

Autobiographical memories play a vital role in shaping personal identity. Therefore, individuals often use various methods like diaries and photographs to preserve precious memories. Tattoos also serve as a means of remembering, yet their role in autobiographical memory has received limited attention in research. To address this gap, we surveyed 161 adults (68.9 per cent female, M = 26.93, SD = 6.57) to explore the life events that motivated their tattoos and to examine their most significant memories. We then compared these findings with significant memories of 185 individuals without tattoos (80.0 per cent female, M = 31.26, SD = 15.34). The results showed that the majority of tattoos were inspired by unique life events, including specific events about personal growth, relationships, leisure activities, losses, or diseases. Even when not directly tied to specific events in life, tattoos still reflect autobiographical content, such as mottos, beliefs, and values. Furthermore, the most significant memories of younger tattooed individuals (20–24 years) tended to be more normative and less stressful compared to those of their non-tattooed counterparts in the same age group, though the nature of these memories varied. This difference was not found among older participants (30–54 years). Additionally, those without tattoos indicated to use specific objects and methods for preserving important events, suggesting tattoos are only one of several ways to reminisce. However, tattoos uniquely allow for the physical embodiment of autobiographical memories, indicating that engraving significant life events in the skin aids in reflecting on one's life story

Autobiographical memory · Cognitive psychology · Cognitive science · Psychoanalysis · Recall · Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies · Psychology · Tattoo and Body Piercing Complications · Visual Culture and Art Theory

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access