When stigma hurts, does self-esteem shape its impact on psychological well-being among commercial sex workers? A cross-sectional study

Drawing on the "Looking Glass Self" theory, this study investigated the harmful impact of stigma on psychological well-being among commercial sex workers in Nigeria, while examining whether self-esteem plays a moderating role in this relationship. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, we sampled 310 commercial sex workers in Nigeria, aged 19-35 years (males = 72, females = 238; mean age = 24.04, SD = 2.82) using a purposive sampling method. These participants completed the Sex Worker Stigma Index, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Results showed that higher levels of stigma were associated with poorer psychological well-being among commercial sex workers. However, while low self-esteem was associated with poor psychological well-being, it did not moderate the stigma-psychological well-being link in this population. Interventions may do well to prioritize reducing stigma among commercial sex workers, while fostering self-esteem as a supportive, rather than a buffering, factor.