RT journal article
T1 Development and Initial Validation of the Trafficking and Human Exploitation Myths Identification Scale (THEMIS)
A1 Tejeiro Salguero, Ricardo
A1 Paramio Leiva, Alberto
A1 Ross-Collins, Scarlet
A2 Psicología
AB Public understanding of human trafficking is often distorted by persistentmyths, hindering victim identification and support. This study presents thedevelopment and validation of the first tool with robust psychometric properties designed to measure acceptance of such myths. A total of 421 adults(49.9% female) completed a 25-item questionnaire based on expert consultation and literature review, along with other trafficking knowledge measures; confirmatory factor analysis was then run with an additional 208participants. The final scale (THEMIS) includes 12 items quantifying mythacceptance and 13 items exploring related aspects. Factor analysis, internalconsistency, and validity checks confirmed strong psychometric properties.THEMIS provides a robust, evidence-based tool for research and targetedanti-trafficking interventions. This article supports progress toward UnitedNations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5.2 (aiming to eliminateviolence against women and girls, including trafficking and exploitation), 8.7(eradicating forced labor, modern slavery, and human trafficking, along withthe prohibition of all forms of child labor) and 16.2 (ending all forms ofviolence and torture against children, including abuse, exploitation, andtrafficking).
PB Taylor & Francis
SN 2332-2713
YR 2025
FD 2025-09-29
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/38295
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/38295
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 10-nov-2026