Research on Human Trafficking Survivors and Mental Health Issues from 2012-2022

Author: Paul, Brooklyn; Fromenthal, Ashley; Messina, Ashley; West, Sarah & Li, Manyu

Abstract: This study aims to contribute to the body of human trafficking and mental health literature by synthesizing past research on mental health issues experienced by human trafficking survivors. Specifically, this study aims to identify the common themes and differences observed in the literature on the mental health outcomes of trafficking survivors. Ultimately, this study hopes to contribute to the literature by providing human trafficking researchers and mental health practitioners with the current state of knowledge on the issue and directions for future research. A review of empirical studies from 2012–2022 was conducted. After searching through databases and screening articles, 30 studies were extracted for synthesis. Five coders reviewed the articles and coded survivors’ experiences of mental health issues. The findings from the review highlighted several aspects relating to the mental health experiences of trafficking survivors: 1) the mental health outcomes of human trafficking are complex and extensive, 2) demographic characteristics were found to play a role in the mental health outcomes of trafficking survivors in some but not all diagnoses, and 3) potential risk factors found across multiple studies shed light on what may exacerbate mental health symptomatology and the occurrence of mental health disorders following trafficking.

Keywords: human trafficking, mental health, depression, anxiety, PTSD