Social Interest and the Purposive Nature of Tattoos

Abstract:This narrative inquiry is the first research to connect tattoos with the Adlerian concept of social interest. Using Josselson’s (2013) relational approach, researchers interviewed 10 participants with tattoos. All participants shared their tattoo narratives. The research question was, How do participants’ tattoo narratives reflect social interest? For data analysis, the researchers adapted Fraser’s (2004) phases of data analysis. The findings show seven themes related to social interest. The narratives also highlight how participants often used courage to meet life tasks. Counselors can use tattoo narratives as a creative way to assess clients’ level of social interest, track progress, and build the therapeutic relationship.