Work

Does the Stockholm Syndrome affect female sex workers? The case for a “Sonagachi Syndrome”

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Female sex workers are subjected to intense physical, sexual, and mental abuses that are well documented in the medical and public health literature. However, less well-studied are the mental coping mechanisms that are employed by women in this population to survive. The Stockholm Syndrome has been discussed in the news media as a potential phenomenon in this vulnerable population, but has not been formally studied. From a previous retrospective qualitative analysis reviewing interviews with women in sex work throughout India, we found that the four main criteria for Stockholm Syndrome (perceived threat to survival; showing of kindness from a captor; isolation from other perspectives; perceived inability to escape) are present in narrative accounts from this population. Thus, we propose that Stockholm Syndrome should be considered as a contributing phenomenon with regard to the psychological challenges faced by female sex workers, and can likely help guide interventions accordingly.

Source: BMC International Health and Human Rights

DOI: 10.1186/s12914-018-0148-4

Authors: Abraar Karan, Nathan Hansen

Institutions: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, University of Georgia

Language: English

Topic: Sex work and related issues

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,170