Comparison of personality characteristics of nursing students with tattoo-piercing situations

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to perform a comparison of the personality characteristics of nursing students and their status regarding tattoos and piercings. Materials and Methods: The sample of this descriptive study consisted of the students of the nursing departments of one private and one public university in the year 2016-2017 (n=718). Data for the study was collected using an Information Form and the Hacettepe Personality Inventory via face to face interviews. Results: 8.9% of the students were found to have tattoos, and 11% were found to have piercings. When the mean scores taken by the participants from the Hacettepe Personality Inventory were compared according to their status regarding having tattoos and piercings, a statistically significant difference to the advantage of those without tattoos was found in the social adaptation dimension. No differences in the Hacettepe Personality Inventory mean scores of the students were found according to their status regarding having piercings. Conclusion: A majority of the students were found to not have tattoos and piercings. No significant difference could be found between the tattoo/piercing statuses of the students and their personality characteristics. These results are thought to be related to the cultural values the students were raised with and the dynamics of the society they live in.