(PS8-94) Exploring Psychological Responses to Human Trafficking: Associations Between Posttraumatic Stress, Posttraumatic Growth, and Psychological Inflexibility

Experiencing human trafficking (HT) often results in profound psychological consequences, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS; Okech et al., 2018). However, alongside these adverse effects, there is potential for positive psychological changes, such as posttraumatic growth (PTG), which may even be facilitated by the intrusion aspect of PTSS (Joseph et al., 2012). Identifying factors, including psychological inflexibility (PIF), that influence the development of PTSS and PTG in this vulnerable population can inform psychosocial interventions. This study examines the associations between PTSS, PTG, and PIF among individuals impacted by or are at risk of experiencing HT. Specifically, it is hypothesized that (1a) PIF will be positively associated with PTSS and (1b) negatively associated with PTG; (2) intrusive PTSS will be positively correlated with PTG; and (3) avoidance PTSS will be negatively correlated with PTG.

Participants were recruited through diverse channels, including local women's shelters, hospitals, and online platforms (e.g., listservs).  A sample of 75 participants (86.8% women; Mage = 34.9 years) identified as having experienced or being at risk of HT using the Adult Human Trafficking Screening Tool, completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist 5 (PCL-5) for PTSS, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form (PTGI-SF) for PTG, and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-2) for PIF.

The majority of the sample (n = 72) exhibited scores above the clinical cutoff range of 31 on the PCL-5 (M = 63; SD = 20.27). Additionally, 65.3% of participants reported an average PTG score of>3 (associated with a moderate to high PTG), and 46.6% reported high psychological inflexibility ( >24 on the AAQ-2). Consistent with hypothesis 1a, AAQ-2 and PCL-5 total scores were positively correlated (r = .54, p < .001). Contrary to hypothesis 1b, AAQ-2 was not significantly associated with PTG (r = .16, p = .18). Though total PCL-5 scores were positively associated with PTG (r = .29, p = .01), contrary to hypotheses 2 and 3, PCL-5 intrusion and avoidance subscales were not associated with PTG (r’s < .21, p’s > .08).

Findings underscore the pervasive impact of HT on mental health, as most participants exhibited clinically significant PTSS. However, the findings also suggest that individuals who have been trafficked or are at risk of trafficking can experience moderate to high levels of PTG. The positive correlation between PIF and PTSS suggests experiential avoidance may exacerbate trauma-related symptoms. The positive association of overall PTSS with PTG suggests some PTSS may facilitate growth. However, no associations were found between the specific PTSS subscales of intrusion and avoidance and PTG. Further, PIF was not associated with PTG in this sample, which is contrary to models proposing psychological flexibility facilitates the development of PTG in the presence of PTSS. Results emphasize the complexity of psychological responses to HT and underscore the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms underlying both negative and positive outcomes in this population. Ultimately, such insights can inform more effective interventions aimed at promoting resilience and recovery among HT survivors.