Abstract
Aims:
This research analysed the lived experiences of tattoo artists in response to clients’ mental health-related disclosures. The aim was to explore the potential public mental health function and impact they might have and the impact on them in providing this.
Methods:
Narrative interviews were undertaken with tattoo artists, inviting them to tell their stories in relation to working as a tattoo artist and responding to disclosures about mental health. Fifteen participants were successfully recruited and interviewed, and their audio-transcribed interviews were subjected to thematic analysis.
Results/Findings:
Among the rich data available from the stories, five themes emerged: tattoo therapy, tattoo artist and client relationship, tattoo studio environment, impact on tattoo artists, and training opportunities.
Conclusion:
The results indicate that tattoo artists are spending large amounts of time and emotional labour in talking about mental health with their clients, serving as an under-appreciated public mental health resource. Tattoo artists are often lacking training and support to manage these disclosures and their own emotional responses.
Plain Language Summary
This research explores the potential role of tattoo artists as public mental health resources. Tattoo artists were interviewed and asked to share their experiences of responding to the mental health disclosures of their clients.
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