The prevalence of women in the tattoo industry, along with larger
numbers of women bearing tattoos, is changing negative perceptions.A
study of "at-risk" adolescent girls showed a positive correlation
between body-modification and negative feelings towards the body and
self-esteem; however, also illustrating a strong motive for
body-modification as the search for "self and attempts to attain mastery
and control over the body in an age of increasing alienation."