Early Academic Pursuits 📚
Eleftheria Sfakianaki’s academic journey began in Heraklion, Crete, where she was born and completed her early education. She graduated from the General Lyceum of Heraklion in 1987. Her pursuit of higher education took her across Europe, starting with a degree in French language studies at the University Blaise Pascal of Clermont Ferraud in France (1991-1992). She then moved to the University Francois Rabelais, France, where she earned a Maitrise in Social and Organizational Psychology (1993-1995). This foundation was further strengthened by a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Athens, Greece (2003-2005).
Eleftheria’s academic journey culminated in 2019 with a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Panteion University of Athens. Her dissertation explored critical social psychology themes, reflecting her deep commitment to understanding societal dynamics and their psychological underpinnings.
Professional Endeavors 🌍
Eleftheria’s professional career spans several domains, primarily focusing on education and social work. Since 2007, she has been actively involved in European programs for NGOs, particularly those aimed at the inclusion of vulnerable social groups in Athens and Heraklion. Her work in this area underscores her dedication to social justice and community support.
In addition to her NGO work, Eleftheria has been a practicing psychologist and consultant specializing in professional orientation, adolescent counseling, and parental counseling since 2007. Her practice has helped numerous individuals navigate their personal and professional challenges, demonstrating her commitment to mental health and well-being.
Teaching Experience 🎓
Eleftheria’s teaching career is marked by significant contributions to higher education in Greece. From October 2021 to July 2023, she served as a collaborative teaching staff member at the Hellenic Open University. Here, she taught online courses in “Open and Distance Education” for the postgraduate program “Training in Education” and “Adult Education.”
Her tenure as a scientific collaborator at the Higher Pedagogical Training School – ASPETE (October 2018 – July 2022) involved teaching courses on “Counseling Psychology and Orientation,” “Professional Development Theories of Decision Making,” and “Human Resource Management & Labor Market.” Her ability to teach both in-person and online showcases her adaptability and expertise in modern educational methodologies.
Contributions and Research Focus 📑
Eleftheria’s research has made significant contributions to the field of social psychology. Her comparative study (1994-1995) on social representations of young Europeans between Greece and France highlighted her early interest in cross-cultural psychology. In 2017, she further explored social representations with a study on the negotiation of central-core elements in young persons’ perceptions of university life in Greece.
Her research has been published in various reputable journals. For instance, her 2024 publication in Acta Psychologica explores conditionality and the negotiation of core elements in university social representations. Another notable publication in the International Scientific Educational Journal “educ@tional circle” (2023) examines counseling and vocational counseling in secondary education for socially vulnerable groups.
Accolades and Recognition 🏆
Eleftheria’s work has earned her recognition within academic and professional circles. Her contributions to social psychology and her impactful research have been acknowledged through various publications and collaborations. Her expertise in using psychometric tools for personnel evaluation and professional orientation further highlights her skill set and dedication to her field.
Impact and Influence 🌟
Eleftheria’s impact extends beyond her research and professional practice. Her work with NGOs and vulnerable social groups demonstrates her commitment to social change and community empowerment. Through her teaching, she has influenced the next generation of educators and psychologists, instilling in them the values of empathy, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
Her publications have added valuable insights to the field of social psychology, influencing how social representations and professional development theories are understood and applied in educational settings.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🌍
Eleftheria Sfakianaki’s legacy is one of dedication to social justice, education, and psychological well-being. Her extensive work with NGOs and her research in social psychology have left a lasting impact on the communities she serves and the academic field.
Looking to the future, Eleftheria’s ongoing research and professional endeavors promise to continue contributing to our understanding of social dynamics and the development of effective educational and counseling practices. Her commitment to social change and her innovative approach to teaching and research will undoubtedly inspire future scholars and practitioners in the field of social psychology.