EDUCATIONAL CORRELATES OF SELF-EFFICACY BELIEFS IN IDENTIFYING AND REFERRING CHILD TRAFFICKING VICTIMS - CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to address how demographic and educational factors are correlated with self-efficacy beliefs on identifying and referring child trafficking victims among professionals working with third country nationals in Greece. This research contributes to the field by pinpointing the factors that significantly contribute to practitioners' self-perceived ability to identify and refer child trafficking victims. This study aspires to identify the factors that are correlated with high self-efficacy beliefs and suggest educational strategies for enhancing the capacity of professionals, thereby advancing sustainable development by safeguarding children's rights and well-being. Theory: This study is grounded in Bandura's self-efficacy theory, which posits that individuals’ beliefs in their capabilities significantly correlate with their performance and behaviour (Bandura, 1977). Specifically, this framework examines how practitioners' degree of confidence in identifying and referring Child Trafficking victims is correlated with demographic and educational factors. High self-efficacy, characterised by greater initiative and persistence, is crucial for effectively addressing Child Trafficking. This study aims to identify demographic and educational factors that strengthen practitioners' self-efficacy, aspiring to guide the development of effective training programmes supporting thus sustainability goals set by the United Nations (2024). Method: The current study uses a quantitative approach with self-reported data to investigate the demographic and educational factors correlated with self-efficacy beliefs in identifying and referring Child Trafficking victims. The target group comprises professionals working with third-country nationals and employed in reception and/or asylum centres in Greece. Participants provide demographic information, details on their educational background and professional development, their perceived educational needs for training in Child Trafficking victim identification and referral, and self-report their confidence in identifying and referring Child Trafficking victims. Data analyses involve descriptive statistics, group analysis, correlations, and simple multiple linear regression to explore the underlying relationships and predictors of practitioners' self-perceived capacity in identifying and referring Child Trafficking victims. Results: The study revealed significant group differences in self-efficacy, with participants in interdisciplinary training (M = 2.91) and special CT training (M = 2.79) scoring significantly higher than non-participants (M = 1.96 and M = 2.08, respectively). Positive correlations were observed between self-efficacy and interdisciplinary training, special training, professional development, and knowledge of local laws, international laws, and regional actors. Self-efficacy also correlated positively with perceived preparation from academic education, professional training, and experience, as well as access to resources and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Regression analysis identified professional development training as a significant predictor of self-efficacy, explaining 72% of the variance (R² = 0.75).