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Schedule:
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Marquis BR Salon 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
* noted as presenting author
Background: Policies and programs to support survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking have increased significantly in the last 20 years. One of the focuses of research with this population has been on understanding the scope, prevalence, and magnitude of trauma and negative symptoms related to the trauma faced by survivors. As a result of this research, many programs and policies emphasize the importance of providing trauma-focused mental health treatment as a part of comprehensive and wrap-around services. Cognitive-based therapies have been frequently promoted as a tool for use in trauma-based treatment, largely based on success with other survivors of abuse or interpersonal victimization. However, there is limited primary research on the effect of these approaches on survivors, and there is even less research surrounding specific cognitive approaches developed for this specific form of victimization.
Methods: This study conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature for case studies, single group, quasi-experimental, and experimental studies that include the use of cognitive-based therapies with individuals who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation or specifical sex trafficking.
Results: Out of 2,488 reports initially identified, 8 studies met the eligibility criteria. These studies were analyzed for outcomes on trauma-related symptoms, methodology and rigor, and sampling strategies. Studies showed that the use of cognitive therapies, specifically trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, reduced the severity of trauma symptoms in participants. However, additional research should be done, particularly with domestic commercial sexual exploitation survivors.
Conclusions: This serves to support the development or adaptation of population-specific forms of cognitive therapy to best address the significant impact of trauma on survivors of exploitation
Methods: This study conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature for case studies, single group, quasi-experimental, and experimental studies that include the use of cognitive-based therapies with individuals who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation or specifical sex trafficking.
Results: Out of 2,488 reports initially identified, 8 studies met the eligibility criteria. These studies were analyzed for outcomes on trauma-related symptoms, methodology and rigor, and sampling strategies. Studies showed that the use of cognitive therapies, specifically trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, reduced the severity of trauma symptoms in participants. However, additional research should be done, particularly with domestic commercial sexual exploitation survivors.
Conclusions: This serves to support the development or adaptation of population-specific forms of cognitive therapy to best address the significant impact of trauma on survivors of exploitation