Date of Conferral
9-11-2024
Date of Award
September 2024
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Dr. Chet Lesniak
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a global health concern and is the second global leading cause of mental illness that produces disability and disease. Individuals with multiple tattoos who exhibit MDD have not been adequately studied. Individuals with multiple tattoos who exhibit MDD may struggle because of psychosocial associations of the diagnosis. Seven women and three men, ages 18 to 65, participated in this qualitative, phenomenological study. Data obtained from the semistructured; audio-recorded confidential video call interviews were analyzed with Moustakas’ bracketing method. Bracketing as a phenomenological method was instrumental in searching for associations in meanings and understandings with individuals. Codes were gathered in groups of related answers to establish themes, of which five emerged: diagnosed with MDD, diagnosed with MDD before getting first tattoo, got first tattoo before age 18, has depression-related tattoos, tattoos are reminders of MDD. Positive social change includes societal and community awareness regarding individuals with multiple tattoos who exhibit MDD. Further studies should be conducted to develop a system where medical and other professional personnel can be trained to address individuals with multiple tattoos and MDD and to learn how to present information about how to identify predictors of MDD to such individuals. Future analysis might include follow-up studies on how MDD affects individuals with multiple tattoos.
Recommended Citation
Daniels, Dr. Tracy Alan, "Individuals With Multiple Tattoos Exhibit Major Depressive Disorder" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16322.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16322
