Halloween Awareness

It’s almost that time of year again…Halloween!  A fun time for children and adults to dress up as their favorite characters, have Halloween parties, and, most importantly, to indulge in sweets. While Halloween has evolved to be a fun time of year, many of us celebrate the day without knowing the cultural, religious, or spiritual, and psychological meanings behind the holiday. In this post we quickly go over a few of these meanings and urge everyone to do more of their own research in order to learn more about and respect these meanings different to what you may know.

 

Cultural, Religious, or Spiritual Awareness

While in the United States we call it Halloween, the holiday is known as “Day of the Dead” and “All Saints Day”, “All Souls Day” or “All Hallows Eve” by European or Latin cultures. These days of observance were originally religious or spiritual events intended to be a joyful occasion to celebrate the souls of the deceased while feasting and praying. The United States’ Halloween is rarely portrayed as being a day of celebration to honor souls. Instead, it has become a day of entertainment.

Psychological Awareness

Many parents may find themselves trying to monitor or avoid buying their kids' scary costumes or watching scary movies because of concerns or observations about increased fear, anxiety, and/or panic. However, this does not just hold true for children. Scary movies, storylines, and costumes often represent increased stigma for mental health, including the use of strait jackets or restraints, haunted houses being staged in hospitals and prisons, and individuals being portrayed as dangerous or “insane”. In addition to furthering the misconceptions that mental health and people with mental health are scary/bad, these images can be traumatic for people with or without mental illness because of these misconceptions. Many symptoms of mental illness can become exacerbated for individuals to be hospitalized or restrained or be placed in psychiatric facilities for stabilization. These possibilities alone can be terrifying for people with (or without) mental illness to think about, witness, and experience themselves, and therefore they may not be able to enjoy Halloween the same way as others do. Misconceptions of mental health symptoms and illnesses are very real for people and the loved ones that care for them and may be difficult to witness as a source of entertainment during the Halloween season.

 

Halloween is a fun time of year! We hope everyone safely enjoys all is has to offer (especially lots of candy!). In addition, we hope you challenge yourself to raise awareness to others and provide education to reduce the painful stigma associated with mental illness, as well as learn about and respect the other cultural, religious, and spiritual practices of this day.

Gender Differences, Visual-Spatial Skills, and Stereotype Threats

What do a Graphic Designer, Architect, Chef, and Surgeon have in common? They all require great visual-spatial skills. Visual-spatial skills include things such as spatial perception, spatial visualization, spatial attention, and mental rotation and spatial location memory. These skills apparently aren’t for everyone, however, and science has tried to find GENDER differences in the abilities of visual spatial skills of men and women. In all the skills, men are supposedly excelling at them more than women, except for spatial location memory (“Gender differences in cognitive abilities?”). There are some questionable theories behind these allegations. One innate theory includes the prenatal hormone theory, which encompasses two hypotheses: the greater male lateralization hypothesis and the “spotlight” vs. “floodlight” brain hypothesis. Another theory to describe the differences is the socialization theory of stereotype threat. This is one I would like to focus on in this post.

Research on innate theory for visual-spatial skills different in men and women is inconclusive. However, there are socialization theories of gender differences in visual-spatial abilities, that seem to focus on an entirely different issue: stereotypes threats. A stereotype threat is being in a situation where you are at risk of being treated undesirably by yourself confirming an adverse stereotype, of any certain group that you seem to belong in. I have personally felt the pressures of stereotype threats against women in areas such as math, science, and sports. In each of those areas I have been compared to males in my performance, which causes me to think about what my true potential could have been if I had instead had people encouraging me and campaigning no differences between genders. In the case of gender differences for visual-spatial tasks, this stereotype threat seems to hinder the performance of some women (“Gender differences in cognitive abilities?”). This has been tested in studies that show how priming true to stereotypes is causing women’s performance to suffer (“Gender differences in cognitive abilities?”). Priming in these cases is exposing these women to the stereotype (whether it is false or true, such as women perform lesser on a certain task) before the task, and then seeing how this effects their performance on the task. To test visual-spatial skill, Fine reported a study done by Mathew McGlone and Joshua Aronson that primed college students with either a gender stereotype that men perform better on the given task, or that students at a certain liberal arts college performed better than normal (2010). The results of the study revealed that men performed better than women when the students were primed with gender, while in the group of students primed with their collegiate identity, there was no gender difference in the scores of the mental rotation task (Fine, 2010). Fine cites many other studies done with priming unfavorably against women that also have to do with mathematics abilities and performance on SAT tests (Fine, 2010). One thing to be noticed in these studies of stereotype threat is that they usually capitalize on the established cultural stereotypes against women (Fine, 2010). This would cause me to wonder how much these predetermined typecasts would be an extra factor in the already stereotype threat-ridden performance of the women in these studies.

 Another point that Fine brought up with stereotype threat was the concept of “knowing-and being” (Fine, 2010). This concept means there is something you believe to be true about yourself (whether it is actually true or not), and this belief becomes reality through your actions. The problem is that this belief can come from negative outside sources. For example, this idea of knowing that you are an identifiable part of a negative stereotype caused women to have lower expectations on their performance, as well as cloud their minds with negative thoughts and anxieties (Fine, 2010). In addition to these fears, the fear of failure caused women being tested to be cautious and conservative in their performance (Fine, 2010). Hearing this was interesting, because these are words that have been used by society to describe female’s personalities and work ethics. The idea that women could be described this way because they are working around fear and anxiety is disturbing. These extra processes of worry and anxiety made it harder for the working memory of these women under threat to help them perform the task at hand to the best of their abilities (Fine, 2010).  The socialization theory of stereotype threat is one that seems to repeatedly cause a gender difference in visual-spatial abilities, as well as many others.

Stereotype threat and priming are examples of how there are not innate differences in men’s and women’s visual-spatial skills.

To take it further, stereotype threat and priming is something to be aware of in all aspects of your life, and "knowing and being" can cause hesitation or avoidance of things your really want to do. These concepts apply to everyone, regardless of gender, or race, or age, sexuality etc. Hopefully, knowledge of these concepts can help you idenitfy them in your life, and rise above them.

Tattoos: considerable perspectives

Written by Mind-Body blogger/student Madeline Dunn 

One summer during my undergraduate program, my sister and I made an impromptu decision to get the matching tattoos we had always talked about getting. Since then, I have wanted more, but have hesitated because of my mother’s disapproval of them. It has been over a year and I have still managed to keep it a secret from her (is this blog post a good way to tell her?). I had grown up with her telling me how she never wanted me to get a tattoo, that my body was "perfect the way it was" and that "employers wouldn’t hire anyone with a tattoo". This raised a lot of personal, sociological and psychological questions. Why would getting a tattoo make a body less perfect? Why would having one make it harder for someone to get a job? As it turns out, there is a fair amount of literature on the history behind tattoos, as well as many psychological and cultural perspectives about tattoos. Additional research also looked into how these different perspectives impact the personal identity issues and self-image of someone with tattoos. Unfavorably for my mother, I set out to learn more about her dissaproval of tattoos.

       The history of tattoos seems to have many origins. Some sources say the started back more than 12,000 years (History of Tattoo, 2017). One specific line of history for tattoos can be traced back to Polynesian peoples, over 2,000 years ago (History of Tattoo, 2003). In their culture, tattooing is a celebrated skill that was passed down, and stood for “endurance and dedication to cultural traditions” (History of Tattoo, 2003). This dedication is admirable, as today getting a tattoo is mostly a safe decision, whereas then the pain was probably worse and risks of infection was much higher (History of Tattoo, 2003). With this, multiple people were involved in helping with the healing process, whether it was helping clean it or ease the pain (History of Tattoo, 2003). Even the women of Polynesia were tattooed, and were given great honor by having a certain tattoo to be able to serve ceremonial drinks (History of Tattoo, 2003). The importance behind the meaning of the process of tattooing for their culture is powerful, and continues today in Samoan culture, with little change to the importance, and even the tools used (History of Tattoo, 2003). Interestingly, Christian missionaries attempted to rid tattooing from the Samoan culture, thinking it was unholy and inhumane (History of Tattoo, 2003). This is interesting because of the continuation today of people judging tattoos and thinking they don’t belong in certain environments. In 2012 in the United States (where there are certain prejudices against tattoos), 21% of Americans, or about 45 million people, had one or more tattoos (History of Tattoo, 2017). Because of the media and popular culture of growing acceptance for tattoos, I would assume that that number is only growing. Another reason it may be growing is because of the technological advances that are always happening. This makes obtaining and creating a tattoo not only easier and safer, but it broadens the creativity that can be put behind it. Creativity seems to be one of the reasons people decide to get tatoos, but other reasons include certain psychological and cultural reasons.

            A popular question behind tattoos seems to be the psychology-based question of “why?”. According to Gerald Grumet in his paper “Psychodynamic Implications of Tattoos”, some of the reasons behind this loaded question include: a sense of identity, belonging, antisociality, protection from danger, sexuality and exhibitionism, and ambivalence. An interesting topic he brought up in his paper was difference between professional tattoos, such as being done in a parlor or studio, and "others" (Grumet, 1983). These "others" are home-done, sometines called stick and poke tattoos. He believes the covert reasons behind these self-inflicted, or amateur, tattoos, include frustration, boredom and anger, often turned into delinquency (Grumet, 1983). Other considerations in his paper include an analysis of the psychology behind tattoos that included the emotional reaction to the tattoo, the number and sequence of the tattoo, circumstances of the tattoo acquisition, location of the tattoo, size, and content (Grumet, 1983). Through an interview I conducted with a professional body modificartion artist (which can be posted on at another time) and from personal experience, I think another reason behind people getting tattoos is simply to have something beautiful or memorable on your body. Grumet only briefly touches on this idea, saying how tattoos “condense, symbolize, and displace psychic energy to a meaningful image” (Grumet, 1983). In all, I think the “why” question behind the psychology of tattoos is as individualized as the people behind them. There are many different motives and meanings behind them. An interesting question would be why do people feel the need to ask “why?”. One answer could be that there is a very sociologic perspective of tattoos. Tattoos have become part of mainstream culture with shows such as LA Ink, Ink Master, and Miami Ink. Even with this amount of exposure however, there is still much controversy in society about tattoos. In one study that usued images of virtual people to determine how participants perceived others with tattoos, it was found that virtual characters with tattoos were perceived as “more experience seeking, exhibit more thrill and adventure seeing, more susceptible to boredom, and to have had a greater number of sexual partners, and to be less inhibited”. (Wohlrab, Fink, Kappeler & Brewer, G. 2009). These are all characteristics that people associate those with tattoos to have. Not all those characteristics are negative, however there are still many negative associations with tattoos. For example, another study found that facial tattoos activate a criminal stereotype, and tattooed defendants are more likely to be found guilty than nontattooed (Funk, 2013). An article in the Huffington post wrote “You’re incredibly naïve or in total denial if you think your tattoos aren’t going to have a significant positive or negative influence on people who don’t know you well.” (Funk, 2013). It is interesting the affect that a personal, artistic or other choice can cause such a debate in society. Another sociological perspective is tattoos and gender. Personally, my mom always thought that having a tattoo would ruin my skin, making it seem like I would be in someway less attractive. Coinciding with this, a study revealed that both men and women had more negative attitudes towards woman with visible tattoos (Hawkes, Senn, & Thorn, 2004). This difference can be discouraging as a female. It appears that society views the characteristics of people with tattoos as hard, “masculine” characteristics. While feeling a bit discouraged and confused, I wondered how these negativec findings effected others.

            There are many potential impacts of tattoos on the personal identity issues and self-image of the modified person. I believe that tattoos have the potential to help people with personal identity issues. Tattoos have the potential to represent memories, creativity, passions, beliefs, and more. Grumet quotes Rogers in his paper on how tattoos help people be “the architect of himself”. In this he is saying how tattoos can help people create more with their bodies than simply what they were born with. In my understanding, there seems to be a theme in which modifications in general are a way to create even more individualized bodies out of the blank canvas, organic bodies we were given. The self-image of a person with tattoos also has the potential to reap these benefits of expression. It has been quoted that 31% of people who had tattoos made them feel sexier and 29% felt it made them feel or shows them as rebellious (History of Tattoo, 2017). For some, this extra boost of confidence is something that is needed, and tattoos can help achieve that. On the flip side of the coin however, there are 5% of people who don’t like their tattoos and want to either cover it with another tattoo or have it removed entirely (History of Tattoo, 2017). So, do the mostly postive effects that tattoos can have on personal identity and self image outwiegh the negative views society has on them? This is a question that requires some intrapersonal reflection.

            My view of tattoos is that they are great tools of expression. As an artist, I can see the beauty behind the work and creativity of a tattoo artist, as well has being able to wear and display art on your body. I think even in the classic stories of getting a tattoo while drunk have the expression and memory that I personally put behind the idea and permanency of tattoos. I am especially excited about all the technological advances that are being made in the body modification world for tattoos. In my interviews with tattoo artists, they talked on how there is constantly new techniques for tattoo application and cleaning. I would be interested to see how the different tattoos I could obtain throughout my life would change in appearance or in application. One interesting new product I saw an ad for in my research was a temporary tattoo you could order or custom make online that is waterproof and lasts for 3 weeks. I think this is an interesting concept as many people are worried about the permanency of tattoos.To answer the question from the above paragraph, I believe if I have an idea for a tatoo I want, it would be the same process as an idea I would have for a painting. Others may have negatives perspectives of it, but it is a personal expression of my creativity and who I am.

            My mother may not ever understand my views on tattoos. I understand that there are many different views on tattoos, especially in the generation gap between her and I. However, as there are currently more movements happening towards this, I hope that one day people will be more accepting of tattoos. When thinking on tattoos, it is interesting to consider history and current use of tattoos, the differen tpsychological and sociological perspectives on it, and the impact of tattoos on the personal identity and self-image of people with tattoos. In all, I hope to keep learning about this form of expression. I may even present more findings to my mother in addition to my next tattoo.

References

Funk, F., & Todorov, A. (2013). Criminal stereotypes in the courtroom: Facial tattoos affect guilt and     punishment differently. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 19(4), 466-478.

Grumet, G. W. (1983). Psychodynamic Implications of tattoos. American Journal of                                   Orthopsychiatry, 53(3), 482-492. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-0025.1983.tb03392.x

Hawkes, D., Senn, C. Y., & Thorn, C. (2004). Factors that influence attitudes toward women with tattoos. Sex Roles, 50(9), 593-604. Retrieved from http://proxy.lib.uiowa.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxy.lib.uiowa.edu/docview/225365514?accountid=14663 

History of Tattoo. (2003) Skin Stories: The Art and Culture of Polynesian Tattoo.                                     http://www.pbs.org/skinstories/history/index.html
 

History of Tattoos. (2017) http://www.historyoftattoos.net/page/contact/

Wohlrab, S., Fink, B., Kappeler, P.M & Brewer, G. (2009). Differences in personality                                   attributions toward tattooed and nontattooed virtual human characters. Journal of                               Individual Differences, 30(1), 1-5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1027/1614-0001.30.1.1
  
Image: https://images.app.goo.gl/uVM5xo82ViabAUBZA