Women who practice commercial sex and chemsex in St. Petersburg (Russia)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction & objective Evaluation of psychological defenses (i.e. psychological mechanisms that support the self-conception) and personal identity explain the reasons why female sex workers practiced chemsex. It also helps to identify targets for psychotherapy, including prevention of problems such as chemsex and risky sexual behavior. Methods In our study, 65 women aged 18-33 years (mean age 25.4 years) who practiced commercial sex in Saint Petersburg (Russia) were interviewed. Among them, 30 (46%) also practiced chemsex. They were compared with 35 (54%) women who did not practice chemsex. With each of participating woman we had a structured interview. We also analyzed their free self-descriptions and descriptions based on the Life Style Index (LSI) method. Results Women practicing chemsex identified themselves as unique and special, i.e. outstanding as well as more risky, seeking new experiences and open to unusual experiences. They also pointed out that chemsex allowed them practice sex with any client without experiencing negative emotions. Women practicing chemsex demonstrated a high level of psychological defenses. Later, this can lead to various problems such as drug addiction, commercial sex as the only possible model of sex, the risk of HIV infection, hepatitis, syphilis, etc., mental disorders, aggression towards women. Among the psychological defenses, the most non-constructive ones (such as negation, displacement, and projection) prevailed. This means that such women ignore anxiety information and repression psycho-traumatic experience. Simple recommendations such as “to be cautious because of danger” will not be effective for these women. Conclusions The psychotherapy of women practicing commercial sex and chemsex should be oriented towards personal identity and awareness of the risky nature of their sexual behavior. To be unique and special means to choose the path of self-defenses, and not self-destruction. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.