From child abuse to prostitution: predictors and intermediaries of exchanging sex for money

People who engage in prostitution behavior often have traumatic backgrounds (Greene, Ennett, & Ringwalt, 1999; Raj et al., 2006; Valera, Sawyer, & Shiraldi, 2001; Widom & Kuhns, 1996). Various studies have shown a significant relationship between child abuse and prostitution (Greene et al.; Raj et al.; Valera et al.; Widom & Kuhns; Wilson & Widom, 2008; 2010.), but there continue to be questions in regard to the specific elements that lead from child abuse and neglect to prostitution (Wilson & Widom). The current study used ecodevelopment theory as a template, along with Wilson and Widom's (2009; 2010) unifying developmental models, and structural equation modeling to understand possible mediators of child abuse and prostitution, including: initial sexual intercourse, running away, juvenile crime, and drug use, along with the additional preventative mediators of internal resilience/self-esteem and external resilience. Results showed two different developmental models that indicated mediation effects of these variables. External and internal resilience/self-esteem also had curvilinear relationships with high risk and prostitution in an exploratory path analysis. Strengths, limitations, and suggestions for further research are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Counseling Psychology (UMKC)

Grantor

University of Missouri--Kansas City

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Kohlhart, Julie Dawn

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Marszalek, Jacob M.

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10355/37780

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/37780