Social, emotional and behaviour difficulties in Maltese schools

Abstract

This paper reports the first national study of social, emotional and behaviour difficulties (SEBD) in Maltese schools. The study secured a sample of ten percent of the school population in state and non-state primary and secondary schools in Malta and Gozo, with 7000 students and their respective class teachers and parents selected to participate in the study. The study sought to explore the nature and distribution of SEBD in Maltese schools; to examine the relationships between SEBD and socio-cultural factors as reflected in the school, family and community contexts, and identify the risk and protective factors for SEBD. This paper presents the key findings of the study, and makes various recommendations in the prevention and management of SEBD and the promotion of socioemotional literacy in schools. A key message is the complexity and multi-factorial nature of this phenomenon, and the need for multilevel, multisystemic interventions.