Title
Self-Regulation for Adolescent Survivors of Sex Trafficking: An Occupational Therapist’s Perspective
Files
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Description
Adolescent survivors of sex trafficking (SST) are susceptible to being in a continual dysregulated arousal state due to a lack of mastery in self-regulation. During the trafficking experience, many adolescent SST experience severe trauma and are deprived of opportunities that foster essential regulatory capacities needed for occupational engagement. The use of sensory-based approaches that focus on addressing arousal dysregulation and the impact it has on occupation is an evidence-based practice grounded in occupational therapy research.
This capstone sought to support community reintegration for adolescent SST through the development of sensory-based programming that fosters self-regulation, a skill necessary for lifelong occupational participation. A needs assessment at a short term residential therapeutic program identified that challenges in self-regulation had a negative impact on sleep, education, feeding, leisure, and social participation. Program development targeted the establishment of meaningful sensory and occupation-based routines that focus on regulating arousal levels. Through empowering survivors to establish routines that foster self-regulation, this program lays a foundation for lifelong occupational participation.
Publication Date
12-11-2020
Publisher
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Medical Subject Headings
Human Trafficking, Adolescent, Survivors, Occupational Therapy, Emotional Regulation, Self-Control
Disciplines
Clinical Psychology | Occupational Therapy | Psychiatry and Psychology
Recommended Citation
Harmon, E., Cohill, B., MacDermott, S., & Park, K. (2020, December 11). Self-Regulation for Adolescent Survivors of Sex Trafficking: An Occupational Therapist’s Perspective. Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesfall2020/14
Included in
Clinical Psychology Commons, Occupational Therapy Commons, Psychiatry and Psychology Commons
Comments
Poster presented at the Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, held online at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on December 11, 2020.