Sex-Trafficked Survivors: The Relation Between Posttraumatic Growth and Quality of Life

Authors: Perry, Cathy & de Castro Pecanh, Viviane

Abstract: Sex-trafficking experiences and the psychological traumas generated often inspire profound, behavioral-life changes, which are explored in this quantitative study. Correlations between posttraumatic growth (PTG) and quality of life (QOL) were investigated with (N = 109) females, ages 18–62 years old and sex trafficked as youth or adults in the United States. Recruitment occurred using random and snowball sampling from sexual-assault agencies in the United States. The PTG and QOL inventories were used to collect data and a Pearson’s r analysis was conducted to test the correlation between PTG and QOL. Results indicated a weak correlation r(.253) = .008, p < .01 between variables. Multiple regression analysis revealed Personal Strength (R2 = .067, p < .01, β = 0.259), Appreciation of Life (R2 = .067, p < .01, β = 0.258), and New Possibilities (R2 = .049, p < .05, β = 0.221) as the most significant PTG predictors of QOL. Pearson’s r analysis of the QOL life domains indicated that Creativity, r(.256) = .007, p < .01, and Help r(.250) = .009, p < .01, were significant PTG outcomes. The study indicated a weak yet positive correlation between PTG and QOL.

Keywords: behavioral changes, positive, posttraumatic growth, quality of life, sex-trafficked survivors