The Semicolon’s Use and Effectiveness

Research Study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the significance of the semicolon as a symbol in mental health advocacy and to assess its impact on individuals who have chosen to embrace it as part of their journey.

1200+ adults worldwide

took part in our study to examine the impact of the semicolon on individuals who have chosen to embrace it as part of their journey.

2 in 5 participants

60% of respondents reported using their semicolon tattoo daily as a source of inspiration.

65% of respondents

reported that the semicolon has saved their lives at least once.

About the Study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the significance of the semicolon as a symbol in mental health advocacy and to assess its impact on individuals who have chosen to embrace it as part of their journey. The findings from this research will allow Project Semicolon to better direct its efforts, and refine its messaging.

Why This Matters

Mental health advocacy is an urgent global issue, with rising rates of mental illness and suicide. The semicolon’s use as a symbol represents a powerful grassroots movement—one that aligns deeply with Project Semicolon’s mission to spread hope and awareness. Understanding its effectiveness ensures we remain impactful in meeting the needs of the community.

Research Method

To conduct this study, we issued an online survey through Prolific.com to 1,300 adults worldwide who have the semicolon tattoo. A total of 1,203 respondents completed the survey, and their responses were analyzed. The survey was coproduced with feedback from individuals who have lived experience with mental illness, ensuring the questionnaire addressed relevant and meaningful aspects of their experiences.

Respondent Demographics

Global Reach: Respondents hailed primarily from the United States (80%), followed by Australia (10%), Mexico (5%), and Europe (5%).
Mental Health Experiences: 71% of participants reported daily struggles with mental health. This underscores the deeply personal connection many have to the semicolon as a symbol of their journey.

Key Questions Explored

How has having the semicolon tattoo impacted your mental health journey?
Do you feel the semicolon tattoo creates a sense of connection to others who have it?
How has the semicolon tattoo influenced your advocacy or conversations about mental health?

Findings and Implications

The responses from the survey highlighted the semicolon tattoo’s unique role in mental health awareness and advocacy:

Empowerment Through Symbolism: Many participants described the tattoo as a source of strength during difficult times, a symbol of survival, and a prompt to share their story with others.
Community Connection: The semicolon tattoo fosters an immediate sense of belonging among those who recognize its meaning, helping to break the stigma around mental health.
Global Resonance: While most respondents were from the U.S., the tattoo’s global recognition speaks to its potential to unify people across cultures in the fight against mental health stigma.

Project Semicolon will use these findings to:

Tailor programs and campaigns that amplify the semicolon’s impact.
Strengthen funding proposals by demonstrating the symbol’s effectiveness in promoting mental health awareness.
Develop resources and initiatives that support the mental health community worldwide.

Study Disclaimer

This study is based on self-reported data from survey respondents and reflects their personal experiences and perspectives. While efforts were made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the survey, the findings should not be interpreted as definitive or universally applicable. Individual experiences with the semicolon symbol may vary.

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