The Roles of Adult Attachment and Complex Trauma in Sex Trafficking–Related Coercive Bonding: Entry, Entrapment, and the Challenges of Exiting

Author: Contreras, Paola; Wilson, Niko; Joseph, Akyla; Valentine, Shay; Minahan, John; Reed-Barnes, Stacy; Wightman, Heather; Dockery, Jennifer; Stahl, Jessica; Kallivayalil, Diya; Kirsch, Nikki; Waterman, Beth; Wilson, Samantha; Greenberg, Richard; Carter, Chantha; Eid, Siham; Ayala-Conesa, Maria; Sanchez, Alejandra & Herlihy, Lauren

Abstract: One theory about sex trafficking (ST) is that people who stay with or return to traffickers do so in part due to trauma coercive bonding (TCB). Attachment theory posits that children form an internal working model with caregivers, which carries into adult relationships. Previous research with victims trafficked as minors found they struggled with attachments, making them more vulnerable to commercial sex (CS). This study contributes a direct analysis of the attachment patterns in ST and CS, which adds to the theory about the possible role of attachment patterns in TCB in ST and CS. This cross-sectional study included 45 participants, used a mixed method, and administered the Adult Attachment Interview. Findings include the following: (a) Traumas previous to CS likely contributed to irresolution (unresolved/cannot classify) and insecure (dismissing and preoccupied) attachment; (b) qualitative analyses identified TCB was used by pimps/traffickers to exploit participants’ attachment vulnerabilities; (c) pimp/trafficker use of TCB was manipulative and violent enough to ensnare even those with secure attachment; (d) findings support consideration of complex trauma presence for sex-trafficked adults; and (e) traits of participants with secure attachment can help providers identify supports for initial exit. Participants of all attachment patterns were vulnerable to TCB in ST, even those with attachment security. However, participants with attachment insecurity and irresolution may be more vulnerable to TCB in ST and can help providers understand the role of these attachment patterns in ST entry and entrapment; participants with attachment security can help understand desirable support for initial exit from CS and ST.

Keywords: adult attachment, complex trauma, sex trafficking, commercial sex, trauma coercive bonding