Suicide and Prostitution Among Street Youth: a Qualitative Analysis

This study presents the results of a qualitative analysis of the narratives of 29 street youth in which they describe their experiences with, & understanding of, suicide. A history of attempted suicide was reported by 76% of the participants, & the analysis revealed themes of isolation, rejection/betrayal, lack of control, & most centrally, low self-worth as forming the basis of their experiences concerning suicide. Additionally, it was found that trading sex, in which most participants had been or were currently involved, was linked with their suicidal experiences & may account for the high attempt rate. Finally, variables related to suicide were found that have not been examined previously in the literature on street youth, including loss of control, assault during prostituted sex, drug abuse as a "slow suicide," & breakups in intimate relationships. 36 References. Adapted from the source document.

Publication Date: 
2002
Pages: 
411-430
Volume: 
37
Issue: 
146
Journal Name: 
Adolescence