Lived Experiences of Female Student Sex Workers

Using the phenomenological approach, this study explored the lived experiences of eleven female student sex workers and how they give meaning to their experiences, including their struggles, coping mechanism, as well as their hopes, dreams and future plans. Results of the study showed that in terms of the lived experiences of the female student sex workers, six core experiences emerged that portrayed the life of each student-participant as a sex worker: Reasons for Engagement in the Sex Work Industry, Adjustments Done to Balance Time Between Work and Studies, Doubts and Second Thoughts about Being a Student Sex Worker, Abuses and Maltreatments Experienced from Customers, Worries and Fears Caused by Working in a Paid Sex Business, and Support from Family Members and Friends in Relation to Choice of Work. The findings of the study also revealed three themes that demonstrate how the students as sex workers gave meaning to their experiences: A Means to Survive Life’s Adversaries, An Acknowledgment of Choices through Perceived Self-Power, and An Opportunity to Rediscover Oneself. Counseling Strategies based from the Feminist Counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy were developed to provide a safe and confidential outlet should the female student sex workers wish to seek therapeutic intervention.