Relationships, Narratives, and I-Positions. Qualitative Inquiry with Survivors of Trafficking

Psychological research on sex trafficking has largely focused on trauma and vulnerability. This study broadens that focus by adopting a phenomenological–existential, social constructionist, and dialogical perspective to explore survivors’ lived experiences beyond a trauma-centered lens. Using reflexive thematic analysis with eight women survivors, four themes were co-constructed: General distrust of others, (Re)constructing trust through social support, Pathways of coping, and Relationship with the body. Findings reveal processes of trust restoration, coping, and re‑embodiment, highlighting spirituality, creativity, and motherhood as sources of resilience and meaning. Integrating phenomenological–existential insights with social constructionism and Dialogical Self Theory, the study proposes recovery as a multidimensional process in which the self is embodied, relationally constituted, and narratively evolving. These insights offer guidance for practitioners and researchers seeking to promote trust, agency, and growth among survivors of trafficking.