A Narrative Systematic Review into the Literature on Memorial Tattoos

Commemorative tattoos are images which have been etched into the skin to mark a passage in life, embody meaning or to honour someone living. This review aimed to identify all studies which focused on memorial tattoos, to acquire a better understanding of the available literature. In recent years, memorial tattoos have become increasingly common expressions of grief. And so it is important to identify the function they serve in the grieving process of individuals. A systematic review of literature was undertaken following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An iterative process was used to identify existing literature, conceptually map it and recognise gaps and areas for future inquiry. Literature was sourced from 15 databases, and a hand search of journals was conducted. Articles were eligible for inclusion if 1) studies focused on memorial tattoos, and 2) studies were of primary data. A final sample of 11 research articles were identified and included in the systematic review. All of the studies were qualitative, with the exception of one study which used a mixed-methods design and indicated that memorial tattoos are utilised as a therapeutic tool in the grieving process. This review provides evidence to support the concept that memorial tattoos are a sub-set of commemorative tattoos which offer something unique to individuals. Those who have been inked with a memorial tattoo offer an enlightening and unique perspective on the grieving process.