The Impact of Identity Salience on Self-Reported Internalized Stigma among U.S. Sex Workers
2023-05
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The Impact of Identity Salience on Self-Reported Internalized Stigma among U.S. Sex Workers
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2023-05
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Abstract
Sex work is accompanied by a variety of negative consequences, one of which is the
internalization of stigma. Although a small number of studies have assessed internalized stigma
experienced by sex workers, fewer have assessed potential moderators between experienced
stigma and internalized stigma. In fact, identity salience, the extent to which one identifies as a
sex worker, has been entirely overlooked. Thus, the current study assessed the potential
moderating role of identity salience as it related to experienced and internalized stigma. One
hundred and sixty-five sex workers were recruited via the r/Ask_SexWorkers subreddit to
participate and each were compensated with a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Each were randomly
assigned to one of three conditions: a condition meant to prime for a sex worker identity, another
meant to prime for a family role identity, and a control condition. Participants then completed an
internalized sex work stigma scale, an experienced sex work stigma scale, an identity salience
scale, and a demographics questionnaire. The results revealed that there was no difference in
rates of internalized stigma based on assigned prime, suggesting that the prime was ineffective.
However, there was a positive correlation between experienced stigma and internalized stigma.
Additionally, identity salience moderated this relationship between experienced and internalized
stigma; in particular, the relationship was significant for those identifying strongly as a sex
worker but not for those identifying less strongly. Future research should attempt to replicate
with a revised prime.
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A Plan B Project submitted to the faculty of University of Minnesota Duluth by Jacinda J. Gardner in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Psychological Sciences, May 2023. This item has been modified from the original to redact the signature present.
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Gardner, Jacinda J. (2023). The Impact of Identity Salience on Self-Reported Internalized Stigma among U.S. Sex Workers. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/256918.
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