Introduction

While body piercing has become a popular form of self-expression among young adults, the decision to undergo such procedures often overlooks the potential social impact on future employability, as perceptions of professionalism can be significantly influenced by the location and visibility of body modifications.

Aim of the research

The study explored the views of young adults with and without body piercings on the social acceptability of body modifications in professional settings.

Material and methods

The study comprised a total of 1000 individuals aged 20–23 years. The sample group contained 500 individuals having at least one body piercing, with men qualifying by having any piercing, and women by having a piercing outside the auricle area. The control group of equal size was comprised of individuals without any body piercings and women with piercings located only in the earlobes.

Results and conclusions

Recruiters tended to perceive body piercings in job candidates as negatively affecting hiring decisions (2 = 28.2; p < 0.001), even those having body piercing themselves. From the candidates’ perspective, individuals without body modifications were significantly more likely than those with to consider piercings as a disqualifying factor in employment prospects (2 = 11.3; p < 0.01). Both the study and control groups identified facial piercings as the most likely to be viewed negatively in a professional context. Additionally, both groups consistently agreed that visible body piercings should be avoided by individuals holding public trust positions (2 = 85.3; p < 0.001). However, this belief would not correspond to perceptions of such employees as less trustworthy or competent (2 = 11.7; p < 0.001).