Experiences of stigma and discrimination as predictors of mental health help-seeking among sex workers

Abstract

Sex workers face higher levels of stigma and discrimination than those in other service professions, this stigma and discrimination is a potential barrier to seeking mental health support. We surveyed 189 sex workers internationally on their perceived experiences of stigma, discrimination, and mental health help-seeking. It was anticipated that a large portion would report experiences of stigma and discrimination from mental health professionals and in mental health settings. Furthermore, that perceived devaluation and discrimination would predict a lower likelihood of past help-seeking from psychologists and psychiatrists, and perceived experiences of stigma and discrimination would predict a lower likelihood of future mental health help-seeking. We found that perceived devaluation and discrimination predicted lower past help-seeking from psychiatrists, and that past perceived experiences of stigma and discrimination by mental health professionals significantly predicted a lower likelihood of future help-seeking. No other significant effects were found. Results demonstrated a concerning level of stigma and discrimination experienced by sex workers when seeking mental health support, and that such experiences were demonstrated to significantly impact on the intention to seek future mental health support. Implications of these findings, as well as directions for future research in this relatively new field are discussed.

Keywords:

• Sex work
• stigma
• discrimination
• mental health help

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Josephine Rayson

Josephine Rayson is a researcher with a background in sexual health and working with sex workers. Her research to date has focused on the sexual health of marginalised communities.

Beatrice Alba

Beatrice Alba is a Research Fellow at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society. Her research focuses on the health and well-being of LGBTI Australians aged 60 years and over.