Mechanisms driving change in perceived social support and compassion among survivors of human trafficking participating in a group-based mind-body intervention: Findings from the healing and resilience after trauma project

AI Summary

Mind-body interventions, particularly yoga, are associated with improvements in psychological symptoms and social functioning among trauma survivors.
In the Kampala sample (N = 10) surveys showed increases in perceived social support and compassion, though not statistically significant.
Qualitative interviews indicate mechanisms: structured peer interactions and opportunities to discuss prior trauma enhanced social connection and compassion.

Psychol Trauma. 2026 Jun 25. doi: 10.1037/tra0002218. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Yoga is rapidly gaining popularity as a mind-body intervention with notable benefits on both physical and mental health for survivors of traumatic experiences, such as human trafficking. Among trauma survivors, yoga is associated with significant improvements in psychological symptoms and social functioning. However, little is known about the specific mechanisms through which mind-body practices improve social functioning.

METHOD: In this study, we assessed changes in perceived social support and compassion among female human trafficking survivors (N = 10) in Kampala, Uganda, who participated in a mind-body intervention in a shelter setting.

RESULTS: Quantitative survey measures indicate increases, though not statistically significant, in perceived social support and compassion toward others. We also conducted a qualitative analysis of interviews with intervention participants. Qualitative findings highlight the importance of having structured opportunities to interact with fellow survivors and opportunities to discuss prior traumatic experiences that may or may not have been related to human trafficking.

PMID:42347780 | DOI:10.1037/tra0002218

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