NCJ Number
116069
Journal
Archives of Sexual Behavior Volume: 17 Issue: 5 Dated: (1988) Pages: 431-438
Date Published
1988
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study compares the characteristics and functioning of a group of 43 adolescent delinquent prostitutes with a group of 44 delinquent females who were not prostitutes and with a group of 43 normal adolescent females.
Abstract
The subjects took a battery of psychological tests measuring their mental health, self-concepts, and attitudes toward men. The adolescent prostitutes were more likely to have been in special education classes than had subjects in the other two groups. They also tested higher for depression and anxiety, their life styles reflecting deviance and alienation. Their self-concept was more fragile than were those in the groups of non-prostitute adolescents. The adolescent prostitutes exhibited very negative attitudes toward men. The study proposes counseling for adolescent prostitutes that would treat their psychopathology and provide them with more positive and successful concept of feminine roles. 22 references. (Author abstract modified)