Trauma Bonding in Sex-Trafficked Women: A Single-Subject Multiple-Baseline Mixed Methods Study

Trauma bonding was studied in a convergent mixed methods single-subject multiple-baseline experiment research design that captured the lived experiences of female sex-trafficked victims. The relationship between the transtheoretical treatment program as the independent variable and the dependent variables of trauma bonding, the ESI framework of EQ, creative problem-solving, Christian doctrine, and the creative environment were investigated. While the moderated mediation Hayes Model 89 statistical program initially was proposed to analyze quantitative data, the study design was revised to reflect the N = 2 subject pool. The TBRP–A, EQi® 2.0, SAI, and PEFSC were used as quantitative instruments, along with their related qualitative questionnaires of the BPSS, EQ, EQ Problem Solving, SAI, and PEFSC. A pragmatic worldview to research is shared. A background, statement, and purpose of the problem and its significance to this study are presented; along with an epilogue to Chapter 3 to reflect the single-subject multiple-baseline design. The quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research questions are included. A literature review is presented that includes the problem of trauma bonding and sex trafficking with its related complex symptomatology factors and predictors. Theoretical and historical conceptual frameworks are included. Related literature on trauma bonding definitions, factors, predictors, prevalence rates, and treatment approaches is included. Meta-inferences from data integration with future directions are presented.