Mental and Physical Health as Risk Factors for Labor Trafficking and Exploitation: Evidence from a U.S. Citizen Sample

• In Event: Victim Vulnerabilities and Survivor-Centered Solutions

Abstract

Research on labor trafficking has been highly population-specific, focusing on particular industries, demographic groups, or geographic regions. This study explores the extent to which mental and physical health problems contribute to the risk of labor trafficking and exploitation among U.S. citizens- a group that has received limited attention in trafficking research. Using the survey data collected from a sample of 240 U.S. citizens across four research sites in 2019 and 2020, this study examines the effects of mental and physical health related problems on various forms of labor trafficking and exploitation victimizations. More specifically, six constructs are formed to tap into such victimizations, including exploitative labor practices, deception of work conditions, lies, restrictions of physical and communicative freedom, intimidation, threats and fears, and threat-based control and abuse. Multivariate analyses are performed to tease out the main and interactive effects of mental and physical health after controlling for demographic variables. Findings indicate that individuals with pre-existing mental and physical health conditions were more vulnerable to labor trafficking and exploitation. Study limitations and relevant implications are discussed.

Authors

• Farhan Tambirul Hoque, University of Nebraska Omaha

• Ling Ren, University of Nebraska Omaha

• Sheldon Zhang, University of Massachusetts Lowell