Silent killers of the night: An exploration of psychological health and suicidality among female street sex workers

Davina C. Ling, William C.W. Wong, Eleanor A. Holroyd, Sister Ann Gray

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This article examines factors that relate to psychological health (as measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument) as well as suicide attempts among female street sex workers (FSSWs) in Hong Kong. On average, our sampled FSSWs scored significantly lower on the psychological health domain in comparison to the general Hong Kong female population. Factors associated with the working environment in the sex industry were significantly associated with poor psychological health and suicidality. Greater attention is needed to examine the physical and emotional harm intrinsic to certain occupations and the role of financial needs in the experience of psychological stress.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)281-299
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Sex and Marital Therapy
Volume33
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2007
Externally publishedYes

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