Date of Submission

12-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Community Psychology

Advisor

Melissa L. Whitson, Ph.D.

Committee Member

R. Lillianne Macias, Ph.D.

Keywords

Self-efficacy, Juvenile Probation Officers, Training

LCSH

Self-efficacy, Juvenile probation, Probation Officers, Training

Abstract

The role of juvenile probation officers (JPO) has significantly changed in the past two decades. Rather than a focus on compliance, juvenile probation officers are tasked with using evidence-based practices focused on rehabilitation. Training is a key tool as it equips juvenile probation officers with the skills they need to implement new evidence-based practices and programs. Juvenile probation officers’ confidence in their ability to complete their changing job tasks should increase when they receive training. The current study examines how training impacts perceived self-efficacy among juvenile probation officers in Connecticut. The study seeks to understand what aspects of training impact perceived self-efficacy along with what aspects outside of training impact self-efficacy. Data was from juvenile probation officers using a survey that included The General Self-Efficacy Scale (which measures perceived levels of self-efficacy), demographic information, and open-ended questions to better understand what aspects of training impact self-efficacy. The final sample consisted of 39 juvenile probation officers from Connecticut. Results revealed the officers reported high levels of self-efficacy and view different aspects of training to have positive impacts on their abilities to do their jobs, thus building self-efficacy.

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