Experiences of stigma and discrimination as predictors of mental health help-seeking among sex workers

Sex workers face higher levels of stigma and discrimination than those in other service professions, this stigma and discrimination is a potential barrier to seeking mental health support. We surveyed 189 sex workers internationally on their perceived experiences of stigma, discrimination, and mental health help-seeking. It was anticipated that a large portion would report experiences of stigma and discrimination from mental health professionals and in mental health settings. Furthermore, that perceived devaluation and discrimination would predict a lower likelihood of past help-seeking from psychologists and psychiatrists, and perceived experiences of stigma and discrimination would predict a lower likelihood of future mental health help-seeking. We found that perceived devaluation and discrimination predicted lower past help-seeking from psychiatrists, and that past perceived experiences of stigma and discrimination by mental health professionals significantly predicted a lower likelihood of future help-seeking. No other significant effects were found. Results demonstrated a concerning level of stigma and discrimination experienced by sex workers when seeking mental health support, and that such experiences were demonstrated to significantly impact on the intention to seek future mental health support. Implications of these findings, as well as directions for future research in this relatively new field are discussed.