A Comparison of Psychological Symptoms in Survivors of Sex and Labor Trafficking

Abstract

Human trafficking is a form of interpersonal trauma that has significant mental health impacts on survivors. This study examined psychological symptoms in 131 survivors of sex and labor trafficking, including people trafficked into or within the United States. High rates of depression (71%) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (61%) were identified. Two thirds of survivors also met criteria for multiple categories of Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), including affect dysregulation and impulsivity; alterations in attention and consciousness; changes in interpersonal relationships; revictimization; somatic dysregulation; and alterations in self-perception. Although there were not significant differences in the prevalence rates of diagnoses of PTSD or depression between survivors of sex and labor trafficking, important group differences were identified. Compared to survivors of labor trafficking, sex trafficking survivors had higher prevalence rates of pre-trafficking childhood abuse and a higher incidence of physical and sexual violence during trafficking. They reported more severe post-trauma reactions than labor trafficking survivors, including more PTSD and C-PTSD symptoms. They were also more likely to meet criteria for comorbid PTSD and depression, while labor trafficking survivors were more likely than sex trafficking survivors to meet criteria for depression alone. An analysis of gender differences found that trafficking survivors who identified as transgender endorsed more PTSD and C-PTSD symptoms, than male or female survivors. Childhood abuse exposure was linked to PTSD and C-PTSD in trafficking survivors, and trafficking type was predictive of the number of trauma-related symptoms beyond the role of pre-trafficking child abuse. Implications for assessment and intervention with trafficking survivors are discussed.

How trauma related to sex trafficking challenges parenting: Insights from Mexican and Central American survivors in the US

“…Additionally, sex buyers frequently subject the women they purchase to strangulation, stabbing, beating and other physical abuse. These acts constitute systematic torture, which may explain the deep trauma many trafficked women suffer [ 7 ]. Because of the accumulation of such daily victimization and traumatic experiences, survivors of sex trafficking have high rates of comorbid mental health disorders (PTSD, major depression, anxiety) and health problems [ 8 – 10 ].…”

Feasibility of a screening tool for sex trafficking in an adult emergency department

“…This is consistent with prior studies that have found a significant presence of mental illness and drug use in this population. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Four patients had no additional documentation regarding discharge plans. Ten patients declined help, one of whom stated that she did not want to leave her situation.…”

“…These include mental health problems including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, substance abuse disorder, and suicide. [7][8][9][10][11] Physical health problems include injuries, dental infections, chronic pain, sexually transmitted infections, and drug overdoses. 10,[12][13][14] Patients with underlying medical problems can also present with severe complications of their illness, given lack of consistent treatment and access to health care.…”

Using School-Based Health Programs to Prevent Human Trafficking: The Mount Sinai Experience

“…When these risk factors are identified, they can be addressed in a timely way in an effort to prevent or interrupt the progression to human trafficking. These risk factors include having a history of childhood abuse [ 7 8 ]; a history of systems involvement in child welfare, including foster care [ 8 ]; having unstable living situations, being homeless, or having a history of running away [ 9 ]; use of alcohol and other drugs [ 10 ]; a history of mental health needs, including suicidality [ 7 11 ]; or identifying as LGBTQ [ 8 12 ]. All of these risk factors are assessed in the SBHC, and the mental health staff play a key role in providing not only counseling, but also assisting with referrals for concrete services.…”