Coping with psychological distress in female sex-workers: An interpretative phenomenological study
Keywords:
Coping with psychological distress, female sex-workers, Interpretative Phenomenological AnalysisAbstract
This qualitative study aimed to explore how sex-workers cope with the psychological distress experienced in their profession through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with four female sex-workers. This paper presents one of three identified themes “Psychological distress from sex work can(not) be healed”. This theme comprised three sub-themes: 1) Alcohol is a big help, 2) Hope is the primary motivation to continue working, and 3) Quitting sex-work is the only way to stop the cycles of distress. The results indicated that special attention should be paid more to the female sex-workers. Mental health and counseling services provided by the government and private organizations need to be made more available and accessible for the women. Key to work psychologically with this group of women is respect and non-judgement. These women should also be empowered to realize their potential in order to boost their self-esteem, and then to develop strategies to overcome difficulties associated with stigma and inequality that negatively affect the quality of life and psychological well-being of the female sex-workers.
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