People with tattoos are more reckless than those without, a new study has claimed.
Economist Bradley Ruffle, of McMaster University in Canada, found people with visible tattoos were more likely to act hastily and not consider the consequences of their actions, according to a study.
The study surveyed more than 1,000 people: 781 people without tattoos, and 255 with tattoos, including 68 people whose ink is visible while they're fully clothed.
This was to measure how "future-oriented" or short-sighted participants were.
Professor Ruffle wanted to carry out the research because, although studies have found employers discriminate against people with tattoos, they has risen in popularity in recent years.
The research, published in the Journal of Economic Behaviour and Organisation, was to find out why many people "affix a visible stigma" to their identity.
Professor Ruffle told The Times: "I'm an economist. From an economic perspective this decision to have a tattoo is puzzling.
"Tattoos are about making some kind of statement. But why not just dye your hair or get a personalised T-shirt you can remove?"
During the research, participants took part in an economic game in which they were given two options, the Daily Mail reports.
They could either receive a dollar (60p) in 18 hours or a larger sum which steadily increased from $1.05 (65p) to $2.50 (£1.50) over three weeks.
Researchers found the second option became more attractive to people without tattoos.
But people with visible tattoos required $2 (£1.20) to reach the same decision.
They also behaved more irrationally afterwards, such as switching back to the first option at higher amounts.
Professor Ruffle hoped the study might give "pause" to people considering getting a tattoo.
But he said impulsiveness is not necessarily a negative character trait, adding: "Sometimes it's good to make decisions fast.
"If you're a professional basketball player and you need to decide whether to shoot or pass, you don't want someone who stands there and deliberates."
