Depression and Anxiety Outcomes Among Young Adults Who Self-Reported Experiencing Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Adolescence

Sarah M. Godoy (), Adam R. Englert, Nofar Mazursky, Luisa Prout and William J. Hall
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Sarah M. Godoy: Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
Adam R. Englert: School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA
Nofar Mazursky: Marron Institute of Urban Management, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
Luisa Prout: Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
William J. Hall: School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 7, 1-24

Abstract: The commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) of children is a distinct form of sexual trauma, resulting in immediate mental health issues. Few studies explore associations between family-level factors in adolescence and health outcomes in adulthood among this population. Utilizing a nationally representative dataset, we explored differences and associations between mental health outcomes and domains of the Family Health Development framework among respondents who self-reported CSE ( N = 502; mean age = 15.03, SD = 1.34; 67% male; 50% white). We conducted ordinary least squares and binary logistic regressions using a hierarchical approach to analyze the CES-D depression scale, anxious personality scale, and self-reported diagnoses of depression and anxiety/panic disorder. At Wave IV, when participants were aged 24–32, 20% of participants reported ever having a diagnosis of depression, and 12% reported ever having an anxiety/panic disorder diagnosis. Family receipt of public assistance during adolescence significantly predicted depression and anxiety symptoms in adulthood, highlighting associations between family structure and mental health. Gender and race significantly predicted anxiety symptoms and having a diagnosis of depression and anxiety/panic disorder. Findings underscore the need for targeted training and comprehensive health screenings for providers to better understand and address the long-term mental health needs of CSE-impacted groups.

Keywords: human trafficking; sex trafficking; mental health; comorbidity; family dynamics; family health; add health; nationally representative data (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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