Massage Parlors Research Articles

Violence Against Asians: When is Racial Hate a Crime?

In this article we focus on the mass shootings of Asian women at Atlanta spas. After the perpetrator killed six Asian women, he told the police that he wanted to eliminate “all Asians” and spoke of the “temptation” of the massage parlors and spas. We ask at what point will these forms of anti-Asian violence first be acknowledged, and then seen as a clear and present danger? To answer these questions we trace the historical roots in US history, and domestic and foreign policies of such violence. We reflect on a history of imperial politics, the means and methods of writing global power, including armed conflicts with and in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, and the more recent US-China rivalry and antagonism. Second, we argue that divisions and hierarchizations as articulated through these policies are political technologies of control of subjects and territories which are bounded for capture and for experimentation toward the reproduction of a global order of the West and the Rest. In sum, we suggest that the asymmetrical and unequal sexualized landscapes and Othering that produce such violences ought to be critiqued, disrupted, and publicly challenged.

Epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Switzerland: a local, exploratory, cross-sectional study.

Female sex workers are often considered highly vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, data on STI epidemiology in female sex workers are lacking in Switzerland. Our main goal was to evaluate the prevalence of six STIs (human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and syphilis) among local female sex workers in Lausanne. A local, exploratory, cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of adult (≥18 years) Female sex workers in Lausanne, Switzerland, from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2016. female sex workers who worked in street sex venues, massage parlours and brothels were approached for recruitment by a local non-governmental organisation. They were then invited to present at the Lausanne University Hospital, where they were offered a free STI screening and hepatitis A and B vaccination. We enrolled 96 female sex workers. They were predominantly undocumented immigrants (60%) from Africa and Eastern Europe with no health insurance; only one participant (1%) was Swiss born. During the study, 15 (16%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 9–23%) participants were newly confirmed to have an STI: six (6%; 95% CI 1–11%) had C. trachomatis, five (5%; 95% CI 0.6-9%) latent syphilis and four (4%; 95% CI 0.1–8%) hepatitis B (three with chronic active infection and one with past exposure). No human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections were newly diagnosed among the participants. Nineteen (20%) of the female sex workers were already vaccinated against hepatitis B, and 73 (76%) initiated vaccination against hepatitis A and hepatitis B during the study. Forty-four (46%) of the female sex workers required translation and assistance from social services.

Place Premiums: Analysis of Place-Based Characteristics of Prostitutes in Yangon, Myanmar

Using data we collected on 395 female sex workers (FSWs) in Yangon, Myanmar, we compare the price of sexual services offered by FSWs to investigate whether this price is determined by where they find clients. Our estimates indicate that FSWs who find clients in bars or online charge 92% higher than those who find clients in brothels, while those who find clients in massage parlors charge 50% lower. Further examination of the underlying mechanisms reveals that place premiums are associated with three factors—commission, prostitutes’ characteristics, and typical services provided in each place.

Risk factors of HIV infection among female entertainment workers in Cambodia: Findings of a national survey.

Cambodia has been well recognized for its success in the fight against the HIV epidemic. However, challenges remain in eliminating HIV infections in key populations, including women working in entertainment establishments, such as massage parlors, karaoke bars, or beer gardens. This study explored the prevalence of HIV and identified factors associated with HIV infection among female entertainment workers (FEWs) in Cambodia. This national biological and behavioral survey was conducted in 2016 in Phnom Penh and 17 provinces. We used a two-stage cluster sampling method to recruit FEWs for HIV testing performed on-site and face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. We investigated factors associated with HIV infection using multiple logistic regression. This study included 3149 FEWs with a mean age of 26.2 years (SD 5.7). The adjusted prevalence of HIV was 3.2% (95% CI 1.76-5.75). In the multiple logistic regression model, the odds of HIV infection were significantly higher among FEWs in the age group of 31 to 35 (AOR 2.72, 95% CI 1.36-8.25) and 36 or older (AOR 3.62, 95% CI 1.89-10.55); FEWs who were not married but living with a sexual partner (AOR 3.00, 95% CI 1.16-7.79); FEWs who had at least ten years of formal education (AOR 0.32, 95% CI 0.17-0.83); FEWs who reported having abnormal vaginal discharge (AOR 3.51, 95% CI 1.12-9.01), genital ulcers or sores (AOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.09-3.17), and genital warts (AOR 2.89, 95% CI 1.44-6.33) in the past three months; and FEWs who reported using illicit drugs (AOR 3.28, 95% CI 1.20-4.27) than their respective reference group. The odds of HIV infection were significantly lower among FEWs working in karaoke bars (AOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.14-0.50) and beer gardens (AOR 0.17, 95% CI 0.09-0.54) than among freelance FEWs. The prevalence of HIV among FEWs in Cambodia remains much higher than that in the general population. These findings indicate that differentiated strategies to address HIV and other sexually transmitted infections should be geared towards FEWs working as freelancers or in veiled entertainment venues such as massage parlors and freelance sex workers. Prevention efforts among venue-based FEWs should be sustained.

Increased Vulnerabilities: Considering the Effects of Xeno-Racist Ordering for Romanian Migrant Sex Workers in the United Kingdom

This article draws on data from interviews with sex workers in Welsh massage parlours and individuals involved in the provision of support to migrant sex workers in Wales and England. Drawing on concepts of xeno-racism and ‘everyday ordering’, it illustrates the ways in which policies and state institutions enable violence against sex workers in a way that is increasingly mediated and compounded by race and immigration status. It argues that an awareness of regular and hostile policing practices, coupled with fears of deportation, among a sample of primarily Romanian migrant sex workers is exposing them to increased risks of harm and exploitation.

Licensing massage therapists in the name of crime: the case of Harper v Lindsay

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the trends for crime and STDs after the passage of massage therapist licensing. In 1977, Texas passed a law permitting county-level licensing laws for massage therapists, which was soon followed by a statewide licensing requirement in 1985. This early massage therapy law was upheld by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Massage therapy licensing is commonly associated with preventing crime, specifically prostitution. However, massage parlors also represent an opportunity for entrepreneurs starting businesses, who face significant barriers to entry across the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyze the effect of state- and city-level licensing of massage therapists on crime and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases using data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reports from 1985–2013 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between 1993-2015.FindingsThe authors find that state- and city-level licensing of massage therapists was not associated with preventing crimes related to prostitution or reducing sexually transmitted diseases. This analysis is consistent with the hypothesis that relaxing the stringency of massage therapist licensing would not lead to increases in crime or additional spread of disease while likely encouraging entrepreneurship.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to examine the effects of city-level licensing on health and safety of consumers.

Sexually transmitted infections' epidemiology and knowledge, attitude and practice survey in a set of migrants attending the sexual health clinic in Malta.

The number of international migrants is estimated at 272million people worldwide. In Europe, migrants face the disproportionate burden of infectious diseases, including hepatitis B and C, HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). High-risk behaviours, sexual abuse, poor living conditions and barriers to accessing health care may affect migrants' sexual health, leading to infections. The study evaluates STIs and HIV prevalence and knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in non-European migrants attending the sexual health clinic in Malta. It also seeks to explore situations of human trafficking (HT), sex/gender-based violence (S/GBV) and female genital mutilations (FGM). This is a mixed-method study, based on quantitative and qualitative research within a single centre. An anonymous pretested questionnaire was administered to non-European migrants attending the genitourinary clinic (GUC) with the assistance of an ethnocultural agent. Demographics, STI diagnoses and risk behaviours were collected from the GUC database, linked to the questionnaires and analysed. A total of 143 migrants took part in the study, 73% were young male and 16.7% men who have sex with men (MSM). Forty-one different nationalities were recorded, and the top ones were Nigerian (12%), Filipino (7.4%) and Chinese (5.4%). Concerning risk behaviours, 33.8% of respondents had never used a condom and 76.5% had had sex with multiple partners in the 6months prior to the study. STI prevalence was 73.1%. Of the patients interviewed, six females were Chinese sex workers employed in massage parlours, potentially trafficked to Malta. The study outcomes support the need of improving awareness about STIs/HIV risk and testing. In migrants at particular risk for HIV, combination prevention strategies should include access to pre-exposure prophylaxis and antiretrovirals independently from migrants' legal status. Finally, STIs/HIV prevention in migrants should be linked with interventions tackling HT and other forms of S/GBV.

Female Entertainment Workers and Condom Use Negotiation in Post-100% Condom Use Era Cambodia

Beyond the monopoly environment of the early 100% Condom Use Program in Cambodia, less is known about how current female entertainment workers negotiate condom use on their own, and what factors impact that negotiation. This study aims to understand the experiences of current female entertainment workers in negotiating condom use with clients in Cambodia. Data collection occurred over a period of 3 weeks (August–September 2017) with concurrent data transcription and translation. A total of 27 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in the following groups: pilot FGD (5), karaoke bar (5), massage parlor (5), beer garden (5), on-call sex workers (3), cross-venue groups exploring parenting issues (2), and street-based sex workers (2). Female entertainment workers experience a range of control over negotiating condom use with clients. Participants reported times when they were able to take direct action and successfully insist on condom use, times when they agreed to participate in condomless sex for money in the face of economic insecurity, and times when male clients sabotaged their attempts to negotiate condom use with tricks, verbal threats or threats of violence. These experiences are influenced by alcohol use, economic shocks, trust between partners, and experiences with side effects. Our findings support the development of policies that re-invigorate the structural-level condom promotion programs while also acknowledging the many individual-level factors that shape condom use such as alcohol consumption, economic insecurity, trust, and side effects.

“Don’t look down on us”

PurposeAlthough some research has been done with entertainment workers in KTV bars, little has been done to gain a qualitative understanding of the vulnerabilities of masseuse women. This is due to a prevalent focus on girls under 18 years, thereby excluding most masseuses. The purpose of this paper is to understand the reality of life as perceived by Phnom Penh’s female masseuses in the lower-priced massage parlors is therefore largely unknown.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 98 female participants completed an interview answering both open and closed questions concerning relationships, stigma and discrimination and personal sexual abuse among other topics.FindingsThis study finds that many women working in the massage parlor industry are vulnerable to various threats, including sexual exploitation and abuse. Dependency structures within the massage parlor as well as with their families seem to play a key role in the life situations that can be positive as well as negative, and in some cases both.Research limitations/implicationsThis is not a prevalence study so all figures are tentative. The women were deeply concerned that they might be stigmatized further so they may not have revealed the extent of their challenges.Practical implicationsMore research and work with this vulnerable group is vital. They should be recognized as a vulnerable group who have rights.Social implicationsThe findings provide a baseline evaluation of the vulnerable conditions of the massage industry for women in Cambodia. Specifically, that stigma, discrimination, physical and sexual abuse, as well as a lack of access to education are all vulnerabilities not commonly covered, especially with adult women working in the entertainment industry.Originality/valueUnderstanding the reality of life as perceived by Phnom Penh’s female masseuses in the lower-priced massage parlors is therefore largely unknown so a study of this kind is necessary.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF BLIND MASSEURS IN INCREASING COMPETENCY THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION BUSINESS STANDARDS OF MASSAGE PARLOR

The purpose of this study was to analyze the challenges and opportunities of Indonesian blind masseurs in improving competency through the implementation of the business standards of massage parlor. The research method is a descriptive-qualitative, theoretical approach on competency in human resource management. Primary data sources selected by purposive sampling. The informants involved were representatives of blind massage entrepreneurs. Secondary data sources in this study is PERMENPAR No.20 of 2015 concerning Business Standards of Massage Parlor. Data analysis techniques by means of data triangulation. The results of the study indicate the challenges faced by the blind masseurs namely: 1) requirements of massage business licenses have not been fulfilled; 2) aspects of the organization, management, and human resources have not been maximized. Increasing the competency of the masseur as a traditional health practitioner is an innovation, and it can extend their opportunities to work in the center of public health and hospitals.
 
 Keywords: competency, standards, blind, masseur

Pipe Dream for the Ladies: Constructs of Rights of Prostituted Women among Social Actors in the Sex Industry of Olongapo City, Zambales

Although recognized as illegal, prostitution in Olongapo is widely practiced, even actively backed by the state. Euphemisms related to sex trade activities and personas such as guest relations officers, entertainers, clients, and managers were employed as cloaks to legitimize its operation. Bars, massage parlors, street solicitations, and private escort services are among the few settings that sustain the sex industry. The historical, political, and economic dimensions of prostitution have been widely researched; however, there remains a dearth of social inquiry pertaining to the sociocultural dimension of the trade, specifically the social construction of rights afforded to the women by those involved in the industry. Underpinned by constructivism theory, this article explores the constructs of the social actors in the prostitution sector pertaining to the rights of prostituted women. It asserts that reality is consistently being shaped through the making, sharing, and reciprocation of a construct system among the social actors in a series of definitive events. The article juxtaposes these constructs with the policies and laws and examines how these translate to social structures and materialization of rights. Findings reveal that the laws and policies on prostitution are largely dissociated from the construct system of the prostituted women. The material conditions in Olongapo, combined with the punitive nature of these ordinances, legitimize exclusion, enable sexual predation, sustain sex buying, stifle the materialization of the rights of prostituted women, and deprive them of legal remedies. A comprehensive and extensive evaluation of the said laws based on the construct system of prostituted women and active involvement of prostituted women in crafting new measures are highly recommended.

Improving Access to Health Services for Female Entertainment Workers in Cambodia: Findings from the <i>Mobile Link</i> Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Female entertainment workers (FEWs) in Cambodia who work at karaoke bars, massage parlors, and beer gardens experience a greater prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), psychological distress, substance use, and gender-based violence (GBV) than the general population. Reaching FEWs with health education and services has been difficult because of their hidden and stigmatized status. This study evaluates the Mobile Link intervention, aiming to improve FEWs’ health by connecting them to existing HIV, sexual and reproductive health, and GBV services using short message services and voice messages. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted between March 2018 and June 2019. We employed a stratified random sampling method to select participants from five study sites. Initially, we randomly selected 600 participants from a list of 4000 FEWs by age group and study site and randomized them to intervention or standard care control arms. The primary outcome measures included self-reported HIV and STI testing, condom use, and contraceptive use. Secondary outcomes included contact with outreach workers, escorted referral services use, forced drinking, and GBV experiences. Intervention effects were modeled using repeated measures, multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression. Findings: We included 218 FEWs intervention and 170 FEWs in control arms in the per-protocol analyses after removing dropouts. No significant differences between intervention and control groups over time were observed for any primary outcomes in the fully adjusted models. However, evidence of positive intervention effects was detected for the following secondary outcomes: contacting an outreach worker (group by time 2 AOR: 3·288, 95% CI: 1·277-8·469), receiving an escorted referral (group by time 2 AOR: 2·861, 95% CI: 1·089-7·518; group by time 3 AOR: 8·150, 95% CI: 1·650-40·250), and never being forced to drink at work (group by time 3 AOR: 3·945, 95% CI: 1·622-9·597). Interpretation: The Mobile Link intervention effectively connected FEWs with outreach workers and escorted referrals. Reductions in forced drinking at work were also significantly larger in the intervention group than the control group. Longer-term messaging may increase access to services and may impact FEWs’ health outcomes in the future. Trial Registration: The Mobile Link trial has been registered with ClinicalTrails.gov (No. NCT03117842). Funding Statement: This study was funded by the 5% Initiative and Expertise France (Grant No. 16SANIN210). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: This research received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Touro University (No. PH-0117) and the National Ethics Committee for Health Research of the Ministry of Health in Cambodia (No. 142HECHR).

“Don’t look down on us!”

PurposeAlthough some research has been done with entertainment workers in KTV bars, little has been done to gain a qualitative understanding of the vulnerabilities of masseuse women. This is due to a prevalent focus on girls under 18 years, thereby excluding most masseuses. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 98 female participants completed an interview answering both open and closed questions concerning relationships, stigma and discrimination and personal sexual abuse among other topics.FindingsThis study finds that many women working in the massage parlor industry are vulnerable to various threats, including sexual exploitation and abuse. Dependency structures within the massage parlor as well as with their families seem to play a key role in the life situations that can be positive as well as negative, and in some cases both.Social implicationsThe findings provide a baseline evaluation of the vulnerable conditions of the massage industry for women in Cambodia. Specifically, that stigma, discrimination, physical and sexual abuse, as well as a lack of access to education are all vulnerabilities not commonly covered, especially with adult women working in the entertainment industry. This research has been adapted from the original transcript “Strive, No Matter What” (Miles et al., 2014).Originality/valueThe paper seeks to understand the reality of life and vulnerabilities as perceived by Phnom Penh’s female masseuses in the lower-priced massage parlors which is largely unknown.

“We Cannot Avoid Drinking”: Alcohol Use among Female Entertainment Workers in Cambodia

Background: Female entertainment workers (FEWs) in Cambodia work in predominantly alcohol-based venues and therefore may face occupational risks. Studies have suggested that FEWs are pressured to consume alcohol while at the workplace, which may have adverse health outcomes. This study aims to explore the experiences of alcohol use among FEWs in Cambodia. Methods: Twenty-seven focus group discussions (FGDs) with FEWs were conducted across five sites in four provinces in Cambodia. FGD participants were FEWs who worked at entertainment venues, including karaoke TV bars, beer gardens, and massage parlors, as well as women who worked as on-call or street-based sex workers, and women across entertainment venues who were parenting. Results: The authors modified a conceptual model to create a framework based on the major themes identified within the FGDs on autonomy in alcohol use among FEWs. The framework and thematic components highlight the continuum of autonomy from pressured or coerced alcohol use to, economically or socially rational alcohol use to voluntary alcohol use. Factors that impacted alcohol use across the spectrum include experiencing an economic shock, needing to maintain a livelihood, experiencing psychological distress, having the desire to thrive in employment environment and drinking socially for personal enjoyment. Conclusion/Importance: Much of the motivation behind alcohol use is related to the need for economic security. For women who do not have other employment or income-generating options, individual behavior change programing is unlikely to be effective. Structural changes are needed to improve the health and safety of FEWs in Cambodia.

Where and why do illicit businesses cluster? Comparing sexually oriented massage parlors in Los Angeles County and New York City.

Immigrant-run sexually oriented massage parlors embody the intersection of important planning issues, including inequitable distribution of controversial land uses and economic functions of illicit businesses. We analyzed geocoded data from a ratings website to examine sexually oriented massage parlor clustering in Los Angeles County (LAC) and New York City (NYC). In LAC, clustering occurred in areas with more Asian and Hispanic residents. In NYC, clustering occurred mostly in Manhattan and was negatively associated with household size. Local regulation did not appear to affect clustering. Study findings hold lessons about both more effective regulation and enabling economic development in immigrant populations.

Psychological factors associated with protected sex among indirect female sex workers in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

ABSTRACTA cross-sectional study was conducted among indirect FSWs (a type of FSWs who provide sex services under the cover of entertainment or recreational enterprises) in Denpasar, Bali from August to October 2017 to investigate factors associated with protected sex with clients using the Health Belief Model (HBM) framework. The protected sex as a dependent variable was identified through self-reported consistency in using condoms with clients in the last month. Independent variables consisted of six HBM constructs and three main groups of modifying factors (personal, sex work, and interventional factors). Binary logistic regression was employed to identify the determinants. The prevalence of protected sex with clients in last month was 50.17% (95%CI = 41.50–80.83). Indirect FSWs were more likely to use condoms consistently if they completed senior high school or higher. Meanwhile, those working in a karaoke lounge, bar, or café were less likely to have protected sex than those in a massage parlour, spa, or beauty salon. Based on HBM, an increase of one-score of these following constructs increased likelihood of protected sex: perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, and cues to action. Low protected sex among indirect FSWs indicates the need for public health interventions at individual, interpersonal, and institutional level.

The Price of Women’s Employment in Business Industry in Ethiopia: A Phenomenological study in Addis Ababa

In Ethiopia, thousands of women and girls are openly selling sexual services in bars, restaurants, hotels, and night clubs and on the streets of the cities and towns of Ethiopia. Their entry into prostitution was the result of unemployment, poverty, peer influence, false promises from bar, restaurant and hotel owners and other related socio-economic factors. Once women engage in prostitution, they would experience physical, sexual and psychological abuses i.e. beatings, rapes and insults. The aim of this paper is to investigate the price of women’s employment in business industry. This phenomenological study looks at the working experience of those women employed in massage parlors. In-depth interviews were employed. This paper shows that commercialization of sex in massage parlor is new phenomenon in Ethiopia. It attracts thousands of women to commercialize sex. Prostitution is invisibly practice in massage parlors in Addis Ababa. This paper also shows that long working hours and night work without overtime payments; unfair commission; obligation to wear only bra and pant at the workplace; and sexual, physical and psychological abuses are among prices women paid for their employment in massage parlors. This article generally reveals women’s employment in massage parlor opens the possibility of prostitution and facilitates trafficking of women for the purpose of prostitution. Keywords: Commercialization of sex, Massage parlor, Trafficking of women, Prostitution, Violence, Women’s rights DOI : 10.7176/RHSS/9-11-07 Publication date :June 30 th 2019

Estimating the sex buying behavior of adult males in the United States: List experiment and direct question estimates

PurposeEstimating the size of the sex buyer market in the United States has been stymied by methodological and sampling challenges. Given known methodological issues in self-reporting and the sensitive nature of purchasing sex, current research faces challenges in providing estimates of demand for purchasing sex. This study used a unique approach to estimate the prevalence of sex buying by men over the age of 18 in the United States. MethodsThis study employed a double list experiment and a direct ask question to a nationally representative sample of 2525 adult males to estimate the size of the sex buyer market in the United States. ResultsThe double list experiment found the prevalence of sex purchasing is roughly 1 of every 50 adult males in the U.S. (2%) over the 3 years. The direct ask questions found that roughly 1 of every 25 males in the U.S. (4%) had purchased sex in the past 3 years. How they purchased and who they purchased sex from was also explored. A total of 80 respondents reported buying sex during the past 3 years. They spent an average of $120 for their most recent sex-buying encounter. Most sex buyers reported buying sex from an offline venue (street, bar, or massage parlor) and 81% purchased sex from a female. Applying the estimate of sex buying behavior to the general male population in the U.S. results in approximately 4 million men over the age of 18 purchasing sex the past 3 years. ConclusionsThe findings from both the double list experiment and the direct ask question indicate that buying sex is a relatively rare phenomenon among adult males, however, when accounting for multiple purchases and extrapolating to the entire population the estimated purchases is in the millions. Applying the double list experiment and a direct ask question to a nationally representative sample provides a new way to capture estimates while addressing some of the limitations of previous methods. Such findings have implications for both the criminal justice and public health sectors.

Embodying masculinity in female dominated research settings: A male reflection of ‘doing research’ in massage parlours

This article considers the male experience of conducting fieldwork in massage parlours; off-street environments in which women exchange sexual services in predominantly heterosexual monetary transactions. It critically examines debates surrounding the desirability of gender incongruence between researchers and their informants. By acknowledging the complex interplay of gender and relations in the field, experiences of power are presented as variable rather than fixed. Honest and detailed accounts of interactions with sex workers illustrate the complexities of embodying masculinity in clandestine and feminized spaces. The perceived benefits and limitations of gender incongruence are presented. The need to consciously manage and comprehensively reflect upon the impacts of gender, in addition to the complex array of power dynamics in the field is discussed.

Emotion Cycles in Services: Emotional Contagion and Emotional Labor Effects

Service organizations encourage employees to express positive emotions in service encounters, in the hope that customers “catch” these emotions and react positively. Yet customer and employee emotions could be mutually influential. To understand emotional exchanges in service encounters and their influences on customer outcomes, the current study models the interplay of emotional contagion and emotional labor, as well as their influence on customer satisfaction. Employees might catch customers’ emotions and transmit those emotions back to customers through emotional contagion, and employee emotional labor likely influences this cycle by modifying the extent to which emotional contagion occurs. Data from 268 customer-employee dyads, gathered from a large chain of foot massage parlors, confirm the existence of an emotion cycle. Deep acting, as one type of emotional labor used by employees, hinders the transmission of negative emotions to customers, whereas surface acting facilitates it. Both customer emotions and employee emotional labor thus have critical influences on service encounters. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the potential influence of customer preservice emotions and the presence of an emotion cycle during service delivery.