The impact of traumatization on human trafficking survivors’ sense of self: a scoping review

Abstract

Human trafficking is a prevalent and escalating global concern, with serious psychological consequences for survivors. This scoping review specifically explored how experiences of human trafficking impact survivors’ sense of self. Particular attention was placed on whether these experiences strengthen or weaken the sense of self, and how it manifests in the cognitive and bodily self. Using Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework, a systematic search was conducted. Inclusion criteria required studies to be primary research, published in English after 2015, and focused on the subjective experience of human trafficking survivors. Exclusion criteria included grey literature and articles in which the full text was not accessible. After using Zotero to screen 924 items from various databases, seven studies were selected. Using Braun and Clarke’s (2019) reflexive thematic analysis, five themes were generated that encapsulate how traumatisation weakens the cognitive and bodily self of human trafficking survivors, and how survivors’ sense of self can be strengthened. This review highlights the nuanced and complex ways in which human trafficking survivors’ sense of self is affected by their experiences and highlights the importance of trauma-informed therapeutic intervention and community support.