Callie Patterson Successfully Defends Doctoral Dissertation on College Students Involved in Sex Work

The CSHP would like to highlight Dr. Callie Patterson, who successfully defended her doctoral dissertation on December 2, 2022.

The Lived Experiences of Belonging and Well-Being Among Students in Sex Work in the United States

Callie shared about her dissertation research:

"Sex work literature has historically emphasized risk perspectives, with specific focus on the spread of STIs/HIV and the experiences of sex workers with violence. More recently, there has been a shift to focus more on the socioemotional health of individuals involved in sex work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, scholars and researchers questioned the extent that individuals may be turning to certain types of sex work to make ends meet. College students were one group included in these discussions, despite having been historically underrepresented in the larger body of sex work scholarship, especially in the United States.

My dissertation was inspired by a study I conducted for my qualifying exam that used data from the 2021 Campus Sexual Health Survey. Specifically, the findings suggested that college students who have been involved in sex work during their time enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student may experience greater challenges to their psychosocial health compared to the general student population. In the United States, however, where sex work remains highly stigmatized, little has been done to acknowledge or address the unique circumstances of students involved in sex work as a student population. It was important for me to add to the existing body of research in a way that would both uplift the voices of students involved in sex work and inform programming.

The two central aims of my dissertation were to explore the experiences of students involved in sex work with: 1) belongingness and self-identification related to sex work and 2) health, wellbeing, and support. To achieve these aims, I conducted qualitative interviews with 13 undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. who had been involved in at least one type of sex work since enrolling as a student. Participants shared about their experiences learning about sexuality and sexual health, their history with and type of sex work involvement, relationships, wellbeing, belonging, and navigating resources as a student involved in sex work."

Callie's Advice to Doctoral Students Completing a Dissertation

1. Know that you belong where you are, even if you sometimes feel like you don't: Many (if not all) doctoral students go through times when they don't feel like they belong, or deserve to be in a doctoral program. Know that you're not alone. Imposter syndrome is real, but remember that there is a reason that you were accepted into your program. Your mentors and peers see your value even when you don't see it yourself.
2. Your work does not determine your worth: Throughout my doctoral education journey and dissertation, I sometimes found myself attaching my worth to my work or, more specifically, how much I had (or hadn’t) accomplished. There is a reason that everyone tells you not to compare yourself to your peers. Give yourself grace when things don't pan out like you imagined they would. 
3. Prioritize what matters most: A dissertation is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. It's easy to let it become the primary focus of your life. In addition to being a graduate student, I had to remind myself that I was also a human, a partner, a friend, a daughter, and a sister. For me, this meant that I had to accept that sometimes my work was less important than other things happening in my life. Give yourself permission to prioritize your health, sanity, and relationships over your dissertation when they need to be. Life doesn't stop for a dissertation - find balance in a way that feels right to you.
4. Give yourself permission to take your time: Finally, there's a reason that doctoral students are allowed seven years to finish their dissertation. Dissertations are HARD. There is no shame in taking your time in order to embrace all the best parts of your life while also working to achieve your goals.