Yes, there can be a physiological and psychological reason behind getting stars tattooed after trauma like rape. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Symbol of guidance and hope: Stars are often subconsciously associated with light in the darkness, guidance, and direction. After trauma, the brain seeks control, stability, and meaning, and a star tattoo can symbolize finding a “light” or hope in a dark period.
2. Emotional regulation and coping: Trauma activates the stress response system (HPA axis), leading to heightened anxiety, hypervigilance, and sometimes dissociation. Tattoos can serve as a tangible coping mechanism, giving the individual a sense of control over their body and identity after a time when that control was violated.
3. Neurological reward: Getting a tattoo triggers endorphin release (natural painkillers) and activates the brain’s reward circuits. This can provide a brief sense of relief, calm, or even pleasure—helpful when recovering from trauma-related stress.
4. Marking survival: Trauma can create a psychological need to externalize survival. Stars, often in groups (like your three), may symbolize milestones, strength, or important aspects of recovery. Each star could represent a step in reclaiming your body, life, or identity.
5. Subconscious safety signaling: Feet tattoos are less visible, which could indicate a need for private empowerment—something personal and protective rather than public.

In short, choosing stars after trauma is often not random; it can reflect a deep physiological drive for healing, control, hope, and self-expression.