Childhood Trauma, Stigma, and Violence as Correlates of Depression and PTSD among Sex Workers. A Research Review
Childhood Trauma, Stigma, and Violence as Correlates of Depression and PTSD among Sex Workers. A Research Review

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to analyze the presence of childhood trauma, stigma, and violence among sex workers, and their relationship to the occurrence of depression, PTSD, and specific symptoms of these disorders. For this purpose, scientific websites were searched and 53 previously published empirical and review articles were analyzed. These findings indicate that sex workers frequently struggle with the aforementioned disorders. Participants meet diagnostic criteria, have been diagnosed with the disorder, or report experiencing symptoms that cause subjective distress. Importantly, the frequency of depression and PTSD is significantly associated with the presence of childhood trauma, violence, and stigma related to their work among the study group. This phenomenon is independent of the cultural background or legal regulations in the study location, indicating its universality. Furthermore, these issues affect both women and men involved in the sex trade. Possible future research directions in this area, which have not been undertaken to date, are presented, and their consideration may prove valuable for research and application. The conclusions from the analyzed studies discussed here address important aspects in the context of better designing therapeutic interventions for sex workers, as well as psychoeducational programs for law enforcement agencies.

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