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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0Frontiers in Psychiatry

Commercial sexual exploitation exposure, food insecurity, and help-seeking attitudes in high school youth

  • Lisa M. Jones1
  • Jennifer E. O’Brien2
  • Vanessa Voller3
  • Emily Boyd1
  • Lauren Martin3
  1. 1Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire
  2. 2School of Social Work, University of Texas Arlington
  3. 3School of Nursing, University of Minnesota
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Abstract

Introduction: Commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) of youth is a form of victimization that is shaped by socioeconomic conditions, yet more information is needed on how these conditions are related to differences in help-seeking attitudes for vulnerable youth.

Methods: Self-report survey data were collected from a sample of 169 high school students from Houston, Texas. Cumulative risk analysis examined relationships between CSE exposure, financial insecurity, food insecurity, and help-seeking confidence and likelihood.

Results: Financial instability was associated with greater likelihood of CSE exposure, with food insecurity emerging as a particularly strong correlate. Both CSE exposure and food insecurity were linked to lower confidence in seeking help and reduced likelihood of seeking assistance if confronted with a request to trade sex for money or something of value. These associations were driven primarily by a lower reported likelihood of seeking help from a parent or trusted adult.

Discussion: Findings highlight the intersection of structural vulnerability and CSE risk among adolescents and suggest that youth experiencing both food insecurity and CSE exposure may face heightened barriers to help-seeking. Prevention and intervention efforts should ensure that youth are aware of and connected to trusted extra-familial sources of support within their schools and communities.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{jones2026commercial,
  title = {{Commercial sexual exploitation exposure, food insecurity, and help-seeking attitudes in high school youth}},
  author = {Lisa M. Jones and Jennifer E. O’Brien and Vanessa Voller and Emily Boyd and Lauren Martin},
  journal = {Frontiers in Psychiatry},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1901555},
  url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1901555/full},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Commercial sexual exploitation exposure, food insecurity, and help-seeking attitudes in high school youth
AU  - Lisa M. Jones
AU  - Jennifer E. O’Brien
AU  - Vanessa Voller
AU  - Emily Boyd
AU  - Lauren Martin
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/21
JO  - Frontiers in Psychiatry
DO  - 10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1901555
UR  - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1901555/full
AB  - Introduction: Commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) of youth is a form of victimization that is shaped by socioeconomic conditions, yet more information is needed on how these conditions are related to differences in help-seeking attitudes for vulnerable youth.  Methods: Self-report survey data were collected from a sample of 169 high school students from Houston, Texas. Cumulative risk analysis examined relationships between CSE exposure, financial insecurity, food insecurity, and help-seeking confidence and likelihood.  Results: Financial instability was associated with greater likelihood of CSE exposure, with food insecurity emerging as a particularly strong correlate. Both CSE exposure and food insecurity were linked to lower confidence in seeking help and reduced likelihood of seeking assistance if confronted with a request to trade sex for money or something of value. These associations were driven primarily by a lower reported likelihood of seeking help from a parent or trusted adult.  Discussion: Findings highlight the intersection of structural vulnerability and CSE risk among adolescents and suggest that youth experiencing both food insecurity and CSE exposure may face heightened barriers to help-seeking. Prevention and intervention efforts should ensure that youth are aware of and connected to trusted extra-familial sources of support within their schools and communities.
SN  - 1664-0640
ER  -