Whether and how students provide sexual services, acts, or materials for pay or compensation (SSAMP) while in university is not well understood. The purpose of this research is to identify and describe the typology of university students who report providing SSAMP. A cross-sectional survey was administered at a Midwestern public university using the SSAMP index that included items assessing perceived positive and negative SSAMP consequences. Participants were 900 students (Mage = 22.27 years [SD = 4.91). Descriptive statistics were conducted. Students who reported providing SSAMP were included for Latent Class Analysis using 21 indicator variables reflecting 5 financial, 10 health, and 6 social consequences. Class comparisons were conducted based on social and economic minoritization and frequency of and reasons for SSAMP. Almost 16% (n=143) reported ever providing SSAMP; 14.2% (n= 128) during university; 13% (n=118) prior. Students providing SSAMP before university generally reported more adverse experiences, income instability, and negative mental health consequences stemming from SSAMP than those providing SSAMP during university only. The retained two-class model revealed that the “more consequences” group (class 1) was distinguished from the “less consequences” group (class 2) on nearly all reported consequences, except increased self-esteem. Those with “more consequences” were more likely to be LGBTQ+, disabled, and to report (1) more SSAMP, (2) financial motivations, (3) being pressured to provide SSAMP, and (4) providing SSAMP to please others. Students’ consequences are shaped by coercion, economic needs/wants, and social minoritization. Practices and policies that reduce harm before and during university are crucial to reduce negative consequences.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Dr. Lara Gerassi (she/her) is an associate professor at the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research aims to inform policies and programs that enhance the well-being of people who provide sexual acts or materials for financial compensation including those who experience trafficking.
Caro Cruys (they/he/she) is a clinical social worker and a social welfare PhD candidate in the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their research interests center the relational and mental health and wellbeing of queer and trans youth and adults.
Laura Zimmerman is a PhD student at the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research interests include mental illness and intimate partner and gender-based violence. She is currently assisting on projects researching youth engagement in trading of sexual acts and materials for financial compensation.