Poster #91 - Exploring College Students' Human Trafficking Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitudes: Does Discipline Matter?

• In Event: ASC Poster Session II

Abstract

An effective societal response to human trafficking requires accurate knowledge of the issue among first-responders, service providers, policymakers, and the voting public. However, many studies have documented that misconceptions about human trafficking are common and often directly undermine prevention and response efforts. To date, few studies have examined younger generations’ human trafficking awareness or the influence of higher education. The current study is an original survey of students attending a private, mid-sized university in the Northeast. The sample includes students from a wide variety of disciplines, including those majoring in Crime and Justice Studies. Using a slightly modified version of the Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitudes about Human Trafficking Questionnaire (PKA-HTQ; Nsonwu et al., 2017), we assess respondents’ understanding of this complex topic. By comparing students of different majors, representing different disciplinary perspectives, we demonstrate the relevance of educational background for not just factual knowledge, but also broader worldview regarding this issue. Our findings can inform curricular development and public awareness efforts to more effectively tackle this social problem.

Authors

• Izabella Zon, Marist University

• Alyssa Yetter, Marist University