A Study on Factors Influencing the Reporting Behavior of Mandated Reporters

This study aimed to identify the factors that influence the reporting behavior of mandated reporters. Data were collected from 427 individuals across 25 professional groups required to report child abuse in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, South Korea. Statistical analyses were conducted on the data. The results showed that while overall reporting rates and knowledge levels have improved compared to previous studies, recognition of emotional abuse remains low, and significant variations exist across professions. Factors influencing reporting behavior included educational attainment, experience in identifying suspected abuse, participation in child abuse-related training, institutional knowledge, perceptions of abuse, and attitudes toward reporting. Notably, practical experience—such as detecting suspected cases and receiving training—emerged as the strongest predictors of reporting behavior. These findings suggest that while the responsiveness of mandated reporters has gradually improved, disparities in awareness and knowledge still exist. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen education on emotional abuse, provide practice-based experiential training, and enhance institutional knowledge.