Toward a Multi-item Measure to Identify Involvement in and Circumstances of the Sex Trades: Findings from Cognitive Interviews

ABSTRACT

Quantitative studies in the United States that identify involvement in the sex trades predominantly use a single item to address a complex, stigmatized phenomenon. This item typically does not differentiate between in-person or virtual forms, nor does it assess the associated compensation types, circumstances, and perceived consequences. University students’ involvement in the sex trades is also critically understudied. Therefore, we sought to adapt, develop, and refine a multiitem measure from the perspectives of undergraduate and graduate students who were familiar with sex trading. We conducted 34 cognitive interviews with students to understand how they perceived items on our measure. Results indicated that language used in single item studies may not reflect participants’ views of the sex trades. Participants suggested the necessity of introducing survey items with inclusive introductory statements that recognize the range of circumstances, benefits, and potential harms. Items that address the circumstances of sex trading (including economic needs, wants, exploitation, empowerment/pleasure) were important in capturing diverse experiences. We make recommendations for multi-item measures to identify involvement in and circumstances of the sex trades. Implications for future research using this measure to broaden the field’s understanding of the sex trades are discussed.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their deep appreciation for the participants of this study as well as the members of our student advisory board. Thanks to Jason Hill, Jelani Williams, Jessica Melnick, Sara Gia Trongone, and Jason Lee for their indirect and direct roles in disseminating information about the study. Thank you to Ilean Baskerville and her company (Baskerville Transcription, Inc.) for transcription services.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Research reported in this publication was supported in part by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, the Office of Research on Women’s Health, Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program, the Office of The Director, National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, under Award Number [K12HD101368]. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.The project described was also supported by the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program, through the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Grant [UL1TR002373]. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. Funding for Ms. Zimmerman's work was also provided by the 4W Initiative at the University of Wisconsin-Madis.