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@article{191785,
        author = {Asha Sipriya.B},
        title = {THE PSYCHOLOGICAL COST OF SURVIVAL IN SEX WORK:AN INDIAN REVIEW},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {8},
        pages = {8935-8938},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=191785},
        abstract = {Sex work is often discussed in terms of legality, morality, and public health, but its psychological dimension remains less explored, especially in a human-cantered manner. This review article aims to examine the psychological experiences of individuals involved in sex work, with a specific focus on mental health challenges, emotional stress, trauma, stigma, and survival-oriented coping mechanisms.
Using existing national and international literature, the review synthesizes findings related to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, social exclusion, and identity conflict among sex workers. At the same time, it highlights adaptive strategies such as emotional regulation, resilience, and psychological endurance that enable individuals to navigate daily survival under difficult conditions. The review also identifies significant gaps in the literature, including limited qualitative research, lack of culturally sensitive studies, and minimal attention to lived experiences within the Indian context.
The findings suggest that sex work should be understood not merely as a risk factor for psychological distress, but as a complex lived reality shaped by social, economic, and emotional forces. This review emphasizes the need for future research to adopt empathetic, humanized, and inclusive psychological approaches. Such perspectives can contribute to improved mental health interventions, informed policy frameworks, and a more compassionate societal understanding of individuals engaged in sex work.},
        keywords = {Sex work, Mental health, Psychological Stress, Stigma, Survival, Resilience},
        month = {February},
        }