Abstract:

The problem of female adolescent prostitution is both significant and pervasive. However, there is minimal understanding of the problem of adolescent prostitution. Existing research has primarily been conducted with adults, and has focused primarily on external risk factors. The relationships between childhood sexual abuse, substance use, and running away with prostitution have been explored throughout the literature. However, nominal research has been devoted to illuminating the psychological factors associated with adolescent prostitution, characteristics that may well determine why a given girl with the identified external risk factors might choose to prostitute while another declines.

The present study sought to identify and describe psychological differences between adolescent female offenders who prostitute (PAOs) and adolescent female offenders who do not prostitute (N-PAOs). Specifically, this study examined five psychological constructs previously identified as being related to prostitution: dissociation, posttraumatic stress, distress, negative self-concept, and sexual concerns and problems.

The sample (N=101) consisted of 50 PAOs and 51 N-PAOs. All participants were selected from Girls Rehabilitation Facility, a satellite detention facility on the campus of juvenile hall specifically designed for adolescent juvenile offenders. The sample (N = 101) was compared on 13 variables from the Rorschach Inkblot Method, the Child Behavior Checklist Teacher Report Form; the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children; and the Children's Depression Inventory and the Adolescent Dissociative Experiences Scale, using multivariate and univariate analyses.

Significant differences were found among the two groups on all five psychological constructs, with PAOs typically scoring higher throughout the majority of the scales. PAOs scored significantly higher on levels of dissociation, posttraumatic stress, distress, negative self-concept and sexual concerns and problems. It appears that PAOs present with more internal distress and emotional pathology than other offenders, who present with more behavioral problems and acting out. The significant differences between PAOs and N-PAOs may warrant unique treatment and intervention programs.