Understanding Student Sex Work through a Bio-Psycho-Social Lens

• In Event: Recent Progress in the Development and Evaluation of Biosocial Interventions

Abstract

There is a lack of understanding about the experiences, motivations and needs of students in Higher Education (HE) who are also engaged in sex work. Aiming to fill this knowledge gap, The Student Sex Work Project (UK based) carried out innovative action research with HE students which included distinct research activities designed to maximize social as well as academic impact: empirical research (quantitative and qualitative); psycho-social service delivery (online / face to face); and artistic dissemination through film. First we present key project findings with a particular focus on student sex worker’s motivations and needs. Second, using a filmic recreation of a student sex worker’s experience, participants are encouraged to adopt a bio-psycho-social lens to consider her thoughts and experiences. Lastly, engendering debate, we discuss the negative impact of stigma on student sex workers and response of Higher Education institutions to student sex workers in the UK.

Authors

• Debbie Jones, Swansea University

• Tracey Sagar, Swansea University