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Beddow dissertation FINAL.pdf (861.7 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

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Differences within the Body Modified Community: Can Certain Personality Traits Predict Location and Motivation?

Beddow, Michelle C
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1525369487237567

Abstract Details

2018, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, Psychology - Experimental.
Although once viewed as evidence of deviance, body modifications such as tattoos and non-normative piercings (i.e. piercings other than ear lobes in females) have become more acceptable by the general public. While this topic has been largely ignored by researchers, studies on the area have typically focused on the differences between the body modified and non-modified communities, with most studies focusing on psychopathological differences. Only a handful of studies have focused on personality trait differences between the groups, although those studies have found evidence of several differences. Moreover, little to no research has been conducted on possible differences within the body modified community, leaving a large gap of knowledge in the literature. The goal of the current studies was to begin examining differences within the body modified community. The pilot study focused on differences in personality traits between the body modified and non-modified communities, as well as within the body modified community. The primary study solely focused on differences within the body modified community. This study particularly examined if certain personality traits could predict the following: location of body modifications, motivation for getting these body modifications, and the reaction others gave regarding these modifications. Furthermore, this study was one of the first to see if there were differences in location, motivation, and reaction for participants’ first modification versus their subsequent modifications. Results of the pilot study showed several differences in personality traits between the two communities, as well as differences within the body modified community with regards to location. Results of the primary study demonstrated little support for the hypotheses, however, evidence regarding other trends was found. The explanations and implications for the results of both studies are discussed.
Stephen Christman (Committee Chair)
Jason Rose (Committee Member)
Andrew Geers (Committee Member)
Mojisola Tiamiyu (Committee Member)
Revathy Kumar (Committee Member)
141 p.
Psychology
Tattoos; piercings; body modifications

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Beddow, M. C. (2018). Differences within the Body Modified Community: Can Certain Personality Traits Predict Location and Motivation? [Doctoral dissertation, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1525369487237567

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Beddow, Michelle. Differences within the Body Modified Community: Can Certain Personality Traits Predict Location and Motivation? 2018. University of Toledo, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1525369487237567.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Beddow, Michelle. "Differences within the Body Modified Community: Can Certain Personality Traits Predict Location and Motivation?" Doctoral dissertation, University of Toledo, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1525369487237567

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

toledo1525369487237567
436
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This open access ETD is published by University of Toledo and OhioLINK.