Risk Behavior
Development Lab
Prostitution Attitudes
Study
In light of recent media attention about the involvement of public figures in sex trading and subsequent public condemnation, our lab is interested in exploring various attitudes that people may have about prostitution. Furthermore, while a great deal of research examines the phenomenon of street prostitution, there are many other contexts in which sex trading may take place such as via escort services, informally at parties, and within the context of human trafficking.
To examine these attitudes further, we developed an online survey in which we presented participants different vignettes and assessed their opinions regarding the overall approval of the persons involved in prostitution and opinions regarding appropriate consequences of involvement. Additionally, we are interested in how people’s opinions may differ depending on the context, gender, and age of those involved in sex trading.
We have completed data collection for this survey and are currently analyzing our results to answer some of these questions.