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Predictors of Involvement in Acts of Prostitution among Substance Using, High-Risk Women

Murnan, Aaron
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1439394837

Abstract Details

2015, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Human Ecology: Human Development and Family Science.
An estimated two million women in the United States work as prostitutes (National Task Force for Prostitution, 2008), with prostitution defined as any behavior that involves the direct exchange of sex for drugs, money or needed resources such as food or shelter (Murphy, 2010). As an understudied and underserved population, these women are at high risk for a range of adverse outcomes. Women who prostitute often have histories of childhood physical and/or sexual abuse (Dalla, 2006; Silbert & Pines, 1983), intimate partner violence (Williamson & Folaron, 2001), homelessness, and alcohol and drug use (Dalla, 2000). They are at high risk for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (Bhunu, 2012) and death, with homicide being the leading cause of death (Ward et al., 1999). Using data from a larger randomized clinical trial testing family systems therapy with (N=183) women seeking treatment for a substance use disorder. Using a social ecological framework, this study investigated the relationship of substance use, family of origin, childhood experiences, and micro-system involvement. This study addresses several limitation and gaps in the literature by testing commonly reported factors associated with prostitution, such as the use of alcohol and illicit drugs (cocaine & opiates), familial substance use, and micro-system interactions with school, family, and the foster care system. Additionally, the current study utilized a unique sample entirely comprised of mothers with a substance use disorder. Findings showed that running away from home during childhood, as well as lifetime use of alcohol and opiates predicted women’s involvement in prostitution. Identifying predictors of involvement in prostitution is essential for guiding preventative efforts.
Natasha Slesnick, Dr. (Advisor)
Jen Wong, Dr. (Committee Member)
16 p.
Social Work; Womens Studies
Prostitution, Substance use

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Murnan, A. (2015). Predictors of Involvement in Acts of Prostitution among Substance Using, High-Risk Women [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1439394837

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Murnan, Aaron. Predictors of Involvement in Acts of Prostitution among Substance Using, High-Risk Women. 2015. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1439394837.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Murnan, Aaron. "Predictors of Involvement in Acts of Prostitution among Substance Using, High-Risk Women." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1439394837

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1439394837
848
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.