https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/106931 2026-04-16T07:11:51Z 2026-04-16T07:11:51Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127423 2024-10-10T13:15:41Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Depictions of mental illness within the medium of modern film Abstract: This research sets out to analyse the current depictions of mental illness within movies released in this decade. The aim is to analyse mental illness portrayals through a medium that many within the public are familiar with and could have been influenced by (MPA, 2020). By doing this, the study aims to show what stigmatizing and stereotypical views the general public is exposed to. From 2010 to 2019, the most popular film of each year depicting mental illness was calculated using an instrumentation system and was included in the final list of 10 films portraying mental illness (one film from each year) which were the basis of the data analysis. The findings show that films were linking acute trauma with the emergence of mental illness, as 9 out of 10 movies show trauma in the forms of loss of a loved one and/or child abuse (psychical and sexual) as being the source of the manifestation of the mental illness. This is in line with research (Mueser, et al., 1998) which shows that trauma increases chances of mental illness within the individual and shows that there are elements of mental illness that are being depicted in a realistic view. Furthermore, 6 out of 10 movies referenced diagnosis or depicted characters receiving help from mental health professionals. Unfortunately, 4 out of these 6 films depicted these characters to be extremely violent during and after professional mental help which perpetuates the notion of mental care being ineffective in helping those in need, which takes away the positive influence the portrayal of persons seeking help could have achieved. Violence was seen to be one of the most prevalent stereotypes in relation to mental illness as half the films depicted characters with mental illness to be extremely violent towards other individuals, this shows that violence in relation to mental illness is still a popularized portrayal and could further enhances the view of fear towards mental illness. On another note, while violent depictions are still present, an element of empathy towards such characters was very apparent. This is a step in the right direction as even when the characters are seen to be committing violent acts, the audience will see the character as a person who has suffered and has cause for such acts rather than just being a ‘psychotic’ killer. Findings also showed that these violent acts were closely related to severe mental illnesses such as psychosis, anti-social disorder and DID. In comparison, more socially accepted illnesses such as PTSD and depression (Tsai, et al., 2018; Wood, et al., 2014) did not have connotations to violence but were rather shown as characters trying to overcome their mental disorder. These findings show that while there are some realistic and positive portrayals, mental illness is still being stigmatized and stereotyped. This highlights the need for future policies to target educating the public on mental illnesses, while also indicating the need for further research to better understand the gaps that need to be analysed and improved within the field of mental illness. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.POL.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127412 2024-10-11T11:44:39Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An exploration of the social support services infrastructure related to foster care in Malta Abstract: This research study explores the Social Support Services’ Infrastructure related to Foster Care in Malta. Qualitative research was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon, especially since the research topic is under-researched in the local scenario. The study seeks to highlight the experiences which local foster carers have of the current available services. It also seeks to identify the gaps in the non-paying services offered by the government of Malta and the local social work services’ agencies to fostered children and their foster carers, delving into how these could be enhanced for the benefit of the children’s well-being and their foster carers. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six approved foster carers in Malta. The questions asked intended to identify the support received from social work, psychological, educational and health services during the process of fostering. Through this qualitative research method, the researcher delved into the experiences, insights, processes and reflections of foster carers when receiving and seeking to obtain such services for the fostered children in their care. Data gathered highlighted a number of challenges that have to be further looked into to provide a more effective and efficient foster care system in Malta. A ‘one size fits all’ approach should be diminished from the foster care system in Malta whilst further improvement is required in all areas most especially in those of health and education. The study also discusses the perceived lack of support which foster carers mentioned they have from social workers due to their workload as well as the consequences that arise from the visits which children have with their biological parents’. A number of evidence-based recommendations have emerged, such as the importance of receiving assistance in education and opportunities to enrol in extra-curricular activities to ensure a successful future for fostered children. The fragmentation of services emerged as a pressing issue, coupled with a number of limitations in terms of assessments which are not carried out on fostered children at the point when a care order is issued, thus greatly impacting the level of services offered to this group. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.POL.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127409 2024-10-11T11:43:52Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Gender roles at home : a female perspective on gender roles in household chores and/or childcare with relation to the rise of female contribution to the workplace Abstract: Inequality begins at home, and thus this research investigated employed women’s perception on their contribution to home related work and duties compared to that of their partner. By looking at the division of domestic responsibilities within duel-earning households, a better picture of women’s work-family life emerged, pointing at related inequalities. This picture informs the development of social policies that better support women as female employment rates keep rising. The research was conducted through a web based self-completion questionnaire that was shared on relevant Facebook Groups in Malta, yielding a return of 827 valid responses. The main findings show that within the division of home-related duties, women were 64% more likely to do most of the work. This inequality rose when it came to child-caring responsibilities which had less male contribution. Correspondingly, 81% of women stated that they were more affected by their responsibilities at home than their partners. Similar disparities also resulted in other aspects of the research as women who worked similar (or more) working hours than their partner were still more likely to contribute to household duties. In contrast, the men’s working hours highly contributed to their duties (or lack of) within the house. Even though 78% of women stated that their responsibilities at home have had an influence on their life choices and stress levels, half the women still do not see a need for change and are happy with the way things are. This finding may be intimating the persistence of gender roles within the mindset of women. Such gender roles were shown to be enforced through societal pressure, which half the women admitted to feeling, along with feelings of guilt when they were unable to keep up with their domestic work, which around 90% of women felt. Through this research, women identified three places where changes needed to be made: their home, their workplace and within society in general (through policy). Family-friendly employment initiatives were highlighted, both at a policy level as well as from the employers themselves to better women’s work-family balance. Furthermore, women also spoke about the need for an equal division of household responsibilities. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.POL.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127408 2024-10-11T11:42:51Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Sexual and reproductive health in Malta : trends, discourses Abstract: This research aims to provide an overview of the sexual and reproductive health situation in Malta. The study took the form of a desk research and reviewed various local and international literature on various topics, namely sex education, access to contraception and sexual health policies and services. The literature reviewed indicates that the changes in the attitudes and behaviours of the Maltese population with regards to sexuality are indicative of a shift towards secularisation. The teachings of Sexuality and Relationships Education are not consistent across Maltese secondary schools and students still leave compulsory education with many misconceptions. Sex education has simply not been effective and the trends in sexuality and reproductive health knowledge and behaviour amongst students is evidence of this. Malta ranks poorly in most categories of the Contraception Atlas and this is indicative of the low levels of access to contraception in the country. Following a judicial protest, parliamentary sessions and a civil protest, different types of the emergency contraceptive pill were made available in 2016. Access to emergency contraception still remains hindered and despite various promises, such contraception has not been made available to victims of rape who seek immediate health care at Mater Dei Hospital. Laws and policies are vital in the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and the protection of human rights. The National Sexual Health Policy has not been updated in a decade and not much has been implemented when it comes to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Patient admission to the GU clinic has more than doubled within the last 10 years, and as a result the clinic has been understaffed. Promises to increase the clinic’s staff were made years ago but still not yet been fulfilled. NGOs have recently been stepping up and offering sexual and reproductive health services in order to fill the gaps in services not provided by the State. The following recommendations were made based on the extensive literature review. Mechanisms and frameworks to monitor sex education need to be created and implemented through policy in order to ensure that lessons are delivered in a consistent manner across all schools. Access to contraception needs to be given more importance and the oral contraceptive pill should be deemed as essential medicine in Malta. Contraception subsidisation and reimbursement schemes should be implemented in order to increase accessibility levels of contraception and to allow for better autonomy over family planning. The national sexual health policy is in dire need of an upgrade through the publishing and implementation of a new comprehensive policy document. The introduction of family-planning clinics should also be considered. It is time for Malta to start taking sexual and reproductive health and rights seriously by addressing long-term issues which have been existent for a very long time. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.POL.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z