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This study explores the types and extent of potentially traumatic events that youth who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking (CSE/T) report, and how these experiences influence mental health. CSE/T youth (N = 110, 11–19 years old) referred to Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapists affiliated with Project Intersect provided self-report data between August 2013 and March 2020 at the start (baseline), mid-point, and completion of therapeutic services. This study focuses on the baseline data collected. Bivariate relationships were analyzed, and where bivariate associations were statistically significant, associations were assessed in adjusted regression models. Two logistic regressions were performed: one for the adjusted associations between types of potentially traumatic events reported by CSE/T youth and the outcome PTSD, and a second for the outcome emotional distress. Results indicated that polytrauma was significantly associated with PTSD diagnosis among CSE/T youth. Direct violence victimization and polytrauma were significantly associated with CSE/T youth emotional distress. Results inform behavioral medicine practitioner considerations for how to appropriately assess the potentially traumatic experiences of CSE/T youth, and how these experiences may differentially impact the mental health presentations of youth in clinical treatment. Effective treatment may include precision-based customization of evidence-based practices to ensure that the diverse traumatic experiences and related symptomatology of CSE/T youth are effectively addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study sought to: (1) describe the mental health and substance use profiles among participants of a specialty trafficking court program (the Succeed Though Achievement and Resilience Court); (2) describe youths' mental health and substance use treatment prior to participating in the program; and (3) examine whether abuse influences report of mental health problems and/or substance use. Retrospective case review of court files was performed on commercially sexually exploited youth who volunteered to participate in the court from 2012 to 2014 (N = 184). All participants were female. Mental health problems and report of substance use was high among this population. Substance use differed at statistically significant levels between youth with a documented abuse history compared to those with no abuse history. Substance use also differed by report of mental health problems. Unexpected findings included the high rate of hospitalization for mental health problems and relatively low substance use treatment prior to STAR Court participation. Opportunities for improvement in critical points of contact to identify commercially sexually exploited youth and address their health needs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirteen studies were reviewed to explore the promise of school- and community-based solutions in reducing the impact of exposure to violence and chronic traumatic events among urban minority youth aged 11 to 19 years old. Because the variables of spirituality and religion are often overlooked in empirical research, studies that measured or included these concepts were prioritized. Out of a total of 35 studies, 13 were included in this review. The 13 studies included 5 intervention studies, 5 cross-sectional studies, and 3 nonexperimental studies that met our criteria. Six of the studies included spirituality or religion as a variable. The review confirmed significant associations between rates of exposure to chronic community violence and presence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms within this population. Five intervention studies confirmed the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy or group therapy in reducing trauma symptoms expressed through PTSD symptoms and depressive symptoms. Two cross-sectional studies identified spiritual or religious factors as buffering or moderating the impact of chronic community violence, and 1 revealed higher rates of spirituality/creativity among adolescents with more exposure to traumatic events. Recommendations for future research are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]