https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/24617 2026-04-23T04:00:42Z 2026-04-23T04:00:42Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36982 2018-12-06T02:21:48Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The experiences behind early school leaving Abstract: This research aims at shedding light on the experiences of Early School Leavers (ESLers) and their families; experiences which are very often disregarded or merely neglected when tailoring policies and strategies to combat the problem of early school leaving (ESL) ( Council of the European Union, 2011; Ministry of Education and Employment, 2012; Traag, 2012; European Commission, 2013). This research, hence seeks to qualitatively obtain information related to the causes and consequences of ESL, extrapolate data on the background of ESLers and their families as well as to give voice to their feelings, prospects, perspectives and experiences. The semi-structured interviews carried out, pinpoint several shortcomings in the local educational system, including the focus on knowledge-based subjects, with little, if any, opportunities to learn vocational subjects. Amongst other reasons, ESLers feel that they had not even been given a fair chance to succeed in education and almost all advocate towards the re-implementation of the traditional trade schools. Furthermore, their working-class parents suggested an increase in communication between the school and the home. Apart from lacking the necessary skills and confidence to actively involve themselves in their children’s school lives, a deficit has also been felt in terms of the father figure in the lives of these ESLers. All in all, ESL was not a decision ESLers consciously made, but rather a continuous process of disengagement from the early years of schooling. In fact, ESLers conveyed not being able to put up with long hours of sitting down, doing homework and studying and tried to avoid having to do with anything pertaining to school; most particularly when referring to school as an experience at home. These individuals seem to have also been deprived of sufficient role models, especially since the teachers’ role was not associated with anything happening outside school. Moreover, in the school years, experiences of bullying were prevalent and may have played a significant role in the complex interplay of factors contributing towards the prevalence for ESL. As a result, the participants have had, and still have an absence of aspirations towards their future and most were characterised by an immense lack of selfconfidence. In light of the participants’ own experiences, opinions and suggestions, this research further posits recommendations for practitioners and policy makers as well as indicates opportunities for further research. Subsequently, additional research and implementation of effective initiatives promoting adequate parental skills, education and involvement is essential. Apart from the incorporation of alternative pathways including those with an adequate amount of accredited vocational subjects within compulsory schooling itself, greater bridging between compulsory and postcompulsory education and between school and the world of work is needed, along with the role of ‘intervention specialists’, for example, who monitor, offer continuous guidance and act as point of reference to those in need of it, particularly beyond compulsory schooling. Description: M.FAMILY STUD.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36974 2018-12-05T02:22:28Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The impact of informal care on the older persons’ perceived quality of life : a qualitative study among the ‘old old’ and professionals in Gozo Abstract: Many scholars indicate that parallel with population ageing, informal care is experiencing a decline due to several factors. This dissertation studies this issue and explores how informal care influences the quality of life of Gozitan older persons who are aged 75 and over and who live at home. In-depth qualitative interviews are conducted with five older persons who are beneficiaries of informal care and with another five who do not have this assistance. This research also investigates the challenges that informal care is experiencing in Gozo and how these impact the community and residential services. Four professionals who work in the ageing sector in Gozo are interviewed to explore this matter and to better understand how the older persons’ wellbeing is influenced by informal care. Findings elicited through thematic analysis indicate that more independent older persons are in a better position to lead a good life without the need of frequent assistance although their families and relatives are still important especially when they are unable to cope. Findings also show that older persons who are relatively frailer require their informal caregivers’ assistance to maintain a good quality of life in practical, social and psychological aspects of their life. Informal care does not seem to protect older persons from loneliness while it appears to do very little for those experiencing financial challenges. Characteristics of the Gozitan community are reported to be central as they accompany informal care and influence the older persons’ wellbeing. Informal care is however reported as a medium through which abuse is carried out and as a resource that could be accompanied by older persons’ negative feelings. This study also suggests that informal care influences the demand on the formal services and its decline is expected to impact these services even further. Policy suggestions relate to direct and indirect measures to support informal care in Gozo and to improve the older persons’ quality of life. Description: M.FAMILY STUD.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36967 2018-12-04T02:46:33Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A mixed-method examination of post-adoption service needs in Malta Abstract: This study aimed to discover the post-adoptive service needs of post-adoptive families in Malta and the perceived barriers that prevent families from utilising such services. In order to address the research question, a mixed-methods approach was used which involved two studies, a quantitative study (phase 1) and qualitative study (phase 2). In phase 1, telephone surveys were carried out with 72 participants (24% response rate) to assess post-adoption service use and need. In phase two, five semi-structured qualitative interviews were held with two adoptive parents, one adult adopted child and two social workers. The semi-structured interviews delved into the services identified as being needed in phase 1 of the study, the perceived barriers preventing families from utilising such services and service design recommendations. Descriptive statistics along with statistically significant associations were extracted from phase 1 and combined with the main themes elicited through thematic analysis from the interviews in phase 2. The results indicated that a total of 64 participants ever experienced at least one child or parent-related issue. The services most used were Appoġġ Adoption Service (56) followed by medical/health services (49), and informal sources of information (44). A number of barriers were presented but the most pertinent were lack of awareness about services, fear of stigma, and that families would rather turn to informal support. The main recommendations were (1) creating a central source providing information, including web-based sources, and training; (2) development of specific post-adoption services such as parenting skills programmes, support groups, and training of professionals; and (3) increase synergy and networking between stakeholders in order to improve awareness, promote positive messages about diverse families and increase evidence-based research. Time and resources must be dedicated to design and refine services in order to meet those needs. The most important lesson to learn is that although families have needs one must not forget to look at the individuals and remember that they want to be treated with empathy and understanding like any other family. Description: M.FAMILY STUD.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/24853 2017-12-20T02:27:17Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Mediterranean melting pot : exploring the adaptation process of Maltese intercultural marriages Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the adaptation process of Maltese intercultural marriages. Six intercultural couples were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews where we discussed aspects of how they adapted to being in an intercultural marriage. The participants were selected on the basis of being married for at least two years, one of the spouses being Maltese and the other foreign, and their married life currently being based in Malta. The chosen method of data analysis was constructivist grounded theory. Data collection and analysis happened concurrently and contributed to the building of a tentative theoretical framework that maps the adaptation process of these couples. The theoretical framework was organised around a tentative core category: managing differences over time. It was further sub-divided into three conceptual categories: the adaptation process of the marital relationship, how the context influences the adaptation process and how extended families and support networks shape the adaptation process. This theoretical framework aimed to capture the idea that adapting to these intercultural marriages entailed managing various levels of differences and that this is a continuous temporal process. This study offered various sensitizing concepts and processes in order to inform local therapists working with intercultural couples. The need for further research was identified since intercultural marriages are an under-researched area in the local context despite the fact that one in ten marriages are between a Maltese person and a foreigner. Description: M.FAMILY THERAPY&SYS.PRAC.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z