Speaking Through the Body: The Incidence of Self‐Injury, Piercing, and Tattooing Among College Students

Self‐injurious behaviors were compared with tattooing and piercing in a college population. Findings indicate a high prevalence of self‐injury. Students who self‐injured were motivated by a desire to alleviate emotional pain; students who tattooed and pierced by self‐expression. Students who self‐injured scored higher than students who tattooed and pierced on measures of depression and scored lower on self‐esteem and sense of control scales. The incidence of all 3 body‐altering behaviors was higher among participants reporting physical/sexual abuse or eating disorders.