Based on leading empirical psychological research from around the world, this book offers valuable insights on women who sell sex. It synthesizes the extensive body of scholarly work on the topic of women selling sex from a psychological perspective in order to understand why women choose to do so. In turn, the book highlights a range of important sociocultural contexts surrounding the sale of sex that are major sources of stress, and examines how women cope with these circumstances.Illustrating the multi-faceted nature of selling sex, the book will contribute to debates on individual and societal responses to this major sociopolitical¿and at the same time, deeply personal¿issue. Including original case material and outlining future directions for researchers, it offers an informative and engaging resource for academics, researchers, students and professionals around the globe.

Is the first book on sex work organized around a psychological theme, providing a broad discussion of psychological motivations and mental health correlates

Chapter 1. The Psychology of Selling Sex: An Introduction.- Chapter 2. Motivations for Selling Sex.- Chapter 3. Contextual Factors: Sources of Stress and How Women Cope.- Chapter 4. Selling Sex and Mental Health Concerns.- Chapter 5. Alcohol and Drug Use and Abuse among Women Selling Sex.- Chapter 6. Transitioning Out of Selling Sex.- Chapter 7. Clinical Considerations for Mental Health Professionals.- Chapter 8. Putting It All Together: Themes in the Psychological Research on Women Who Sell Sex.