Tatuaggio e piercing tra gli adolescenti: atteggiamenti e pratiche. Una indagine tra gli studenti di scuola secondaria superiore in Veneto

The present study analyzes the factors associated with the propension to the practices of piercing and tattoos among adolescents, thanks to a Survey conducted in the high schools of Veneto in 2007. Analyses showed the comparisons between sub-groups of interviewees characterized by gender, and by experience and interest in the two forms of body modification. Behaviours, attitudes and motivations connected with these practices are examined; questions, doubts and the knowledge about operator and the potential health consequences are investigated too; in addition, also the importance of physical appearance and the references values are considered. First, some descriptive analyses on various aspects of the phenomena are conducted; then, multinomial logistic regression models are applied, which allow us to identify what predicts the practices, the interest or the indifference for piercing and tattoos. Results showed gender differences in the approach of these body modification practices: as regards girls, these practices may be considered a mainstream activity, which involves younger cohorts: piercing and tattoo become a way to increase own body satisfaction. As regards boys, instead, the factors connected with the propension to these practices are a low cultural background and the importance given to physical appearance. Both for boys and girls, a significant aspect to define attitudes towards body art practices is the value system: values such as enjoyment, beauty and youth, are found to be strongly connected with high propension to these practices.