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The Attitudes Toward Prostitution Scale: preliminary report on its development and use
Steven P Sawyer1, Michael E Metz
1Project Pathfinder, Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota 55104, USA. ssawyer@projectpathfinder.org
Summary
The Attitudes Toward Prostitution Scale (ATPS) measures men's beliefs about prostitution. This scale identifies three key factors and provides reliable scores for research and clinical use with men who buy sex.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Sociology
Background:
- Understanding men's attitudes toward prostitution is crucial for developing effective interventions.
- Previous assessments lacked a comprehensive tool to evaluate diverse beliefs held by men who purchase sex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Attitudes Toward Prostitution Scale (ATPS).
- To assess the beliefs of men arrested for soliciting prostitutes and referred to psychoeducational programs.
Main Methods:
- Principal axis factor analysis of 1,001 men arrested for solicitation.
- Reliability assessment using Cronbach's alpha on a separate sample of 74 men.
- Standardization of scale scores and establishment of interpretation norms.
Main Results:
- The ATPS yielded three valid factors: Social/Legal Support of Prostitution, Beliefs About Prostitutes, and Family Values Related to Prostitution.
- The scale demonstrated internal consistency and reliability.
- Standardized scores and norms facilitate practical application.
Conclusions:
- The ATPS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing men's attitudes toward prostitution.
- The scale aids in the assessment and intervention planning for men who buy sex.
- Findings support the use of the ATPS in research and clinical settings.
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