The Impact of Identity Salience on Self-Reported Internalized Stigma among U.S. Sex Workers

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.