Associate Professor Lara Gerassi received a large five-year RO1 research grant from the National Institutes of Health to understand the extent to which young people trade sex for financial compensation, why they do so, and the associated risks, protective factors, benefits, and harms. The aim of the research is to provide a more comprehensive understanding of sex trading, which is needed to inform policies and practices to reduce harm.
Current research on sex trading is limited. It does not differentiate the type of sex trading (virtual vs. in-person), the circumstances (potential coercion), the type of compensation provided, associated risks, or protective factors. To investigate the phenomenon more deeply, Dr. Gerassi and colleagues (including Psychology Professor Kate Walsh) have developed and tested a multi-item sex trading questionnaire. Their studies of university students using these questionnaires found that 11% of undergraduate students and 18.1% of graduate students reported at least one sex-trading behavior, compared to 2 to 4.5% in prior studies. Dr. Gerassi’s work is revealing that sex trading may be more widespread than previously reported. Additionally, the rates of sex trading for those who experience extreme adversity, such as homeless youth, are likely much higher.
This community-engaged project will use a multi-phase, mixed-methods research design to first interview people with lived experiences of sex trading to refine the questionnaire before using it to survey young people about their experiences across two large scale samples. Ultimately, the study will use rigorous methods to establish the first credible prevalence estimates of sex trading in the United States and identify profiles of young people who trade sex to inform tailored interventions for those who can experience harm.
This is believed to be the first national study to evaluate sex-trading behaviors and circumstances on such a large scale and with such detailed nuance. According to Dr. Gerassi, “A one size fits all approach isn’t enough. We need a methodologically rigorous understanding of youth sex trading to advance prevention, interventions that reduce harm, and policies to support young adults across settings.”
Partners on the grant include the National Survivor Network and the Global Association of Human Trafficking Scholars. These networks reach hundreds of community organizations and people with lived experiences of sex trading across the world.
Dr. Gerassi’s research broadly aims to inform policies and programs that enhance the well-being of people who provide sexual acts or materials for financial compensation. Her first book, Sex Trafficking & Commercial Sexual Exploitation: Prevention, Advocacy, and Trauma-Informed Practice, was published in 2017. In 2023, she received the Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence in Teaching award at UW-Madison.