Start here · Essential guide
From Body Modification to Body Empowerment
What empowerment can mean when people talk about tattoos, piercings and other body changes, and where the idea runs out of explanatory power.
Mind and Self
Empowerment and Liberation
Ideas of empowerment, freedom and positivity linked to the body.
From Body Modification to Body Empowerment: The Journey to Self-Discovery
Empowerment around the body is rarely a single moment. This article describes it as a gradual process with stages, doubts and setbacks along the way.
From Body Modification to Body Empowerment: The Journey to Self-Discovery and Self-Love
Feeling in charge of your body and valuing it are linked but distinct ideas. This article explores the connection and why modification is not required for either.
From Body Modification to Body Liberation
Body liberation is about freedom from rules and expectations around bodies. This article explains the idea and asks who is still left out of that freedom.
From Body Modification to Body Liberation: The Connection to Self-Expression
How freedom from appearance norms connects to the choice of how to present yourself in public, and what limits that choice in practice.
From Body Modification to Body Positivity: The Connection Between the Two
Body positivity and body modification share some values but can also pull in different directions. This article looks at where they agree and where they clash.
From Body Modification to Personal Transformation: The Connection Between the Two
What kind of change can a tattoo, piercing or similar modification bring, and what can it not? A realistic look at transformation and expectations.
The Rise of Body Positivity: How Body Modification Can Be a Form of Self-Love
Can a tattoo or piercing express self-love? A balanced look at when modification fits a body positive message and when it may stem from dissatisfaction.
Related topics
More in mind and self
Psychology How modification and the mind relate. Mental Health What is and is not known about modification and mental health. Identity How bodies, selves and identity connect. Growth and Acceptance Self-esteem, acceptance, relationships and personal growth. Spirituality Faith, meaning and spiritual practice in relation to body modification. Self-Care and Growth Self-care, mindfulness and readiness before and after modification. Body Image Journeys From dislike of the body toward acceptance and self-worth. Pain and Healing Pain, pride, scars and healing in personal stories of modification. Shame to Pride Moving from shame and self-doubt toward confidence and self-knowledge. Mind-Body Links How changing the body relates to mood, wellbeing and a sense of self. Tattoo Meaning What tattoos can mean for identity, beliefs and emotional healing. Self-Discovery Paths How people describe modification as a route to understanding themselves. Self-Expression Studies Broader looks at modification, transformation and personal growth. Claimed Health Benefits Mental and physical wellbeing claims, weighed against the risks. Transformation Stories Confidence, empowerment and personal change through body art. Relationships and Communication How modification affects partners, friends and everyday interactions. Self-Image and Wellbeing Effects on body image, self-esteem and mental health. Personal Change Journeys Modification as part of identity, growth and self-discovery. Motivations Explained Why people choose to change their bodies, from curiosity to risk and pain. Body Image and Beauty How beauty ideals, body image and self-esteem connect to modification. Identity and Self-Concept How modification relates to identity, self-concept and personal meaning. Spiritual Dimensions Spiritual, ritual and contemplative angles on body modification. Meaning and Empowerment Claims about empowerment, commitment and community, treated with balance. Why We Get Marked Psychology of tattoos, piercings and scars. Mental Health Studies Careful looks at modification, mood, trauma and self-esteem. Shaping Identity How body choices relate to personal and social identity. Self-Transformation Science How researchers and writers explain the link between changing the body and the sense of self. Mind and Body Impact Mental health and brain-level ideas about what modification does to us. Healing and Therapy Claims and cautions about modification as a path to recovery.