https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/247 2026-11-09T08:42:33Z 2026-11-09T08:42:33Z Camilleri, Mary Joan Borg, Elena https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150796 2026-11-05T12:33:52Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The role of appreciative inquiry in sustaining academic mental health Authors: Camilleri, Mary Joan; Borg, Elena Abstract: We would like to start by offering a short background context. In the past three years the Counselling Services Unit (CSU), within the University of Malta (UoM) collaborated with various other University Departments and Faculties setting up psycho-social-educational programs enhancing mental health awareness among university academics, including doctoral candidates and early researchers. These programs emanated from researched observations carried out at UoM whose results were in line with the existing body of knowledge in the mental health field, tallying with data obtained from the community of knowledge (Camilleri, 2023; Cefai & Camilleri, 2009; Cuschieri et al, 2020; Dalli Gonzi & Camilleri, 2022; Metcalf et al 2022). Research indicates that appreciative inquiry and self-reflexivity sustain academic mental health through the provision of a democratic, bottom-up process allowing various voices to be heard, while commencing a conversation which can initiate social movement (Cooperrider et al, 2008). Oddone et el., (2021) note how peer-mentorship enhances the creation of reciprocal emotional support, motivation and a sense of community, supporting the creation of a shared vision for the way the group wants the organisation to function (Mohr & Watkins, 2022). To this end a conversation needs to start between the institution, the academic and the student for the benefit of the latter and the development of a sense of achievement in the former (Wisker & Robinson, 2016). Personal and bottom-up critical self-reflexivity are viewed as an essential tool in bringing about social movement to generate organisational change (Valeix, Moss & Morris, 2020), thus enhancing academic mental health.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Camilleri, Mary Joan https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150390 2026-10-23T08:51:26Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An appreciative inquiry into the service needs of doctoral student hands-on practices for enhancing researcher mental health and well-being Authors: Camilleri, Mary Joan Abstract: The Counselling Services Unit adopting research and evidence based interventions regularly refers to studies regarding student wellbeing at the University of Malta to plan its way forward. Quantitative studies conducted by Cefai and Camilleri (2009) and Cuschieri et al (2020) indicated that 65% of the students felt regularly satisfied and confident about their wellbeing. Over 50% of the students reported feeling overwhelmed. Third- and fifth-year students finishing their under-graduate and Master's degree respectively felt more stressed than first-year or single students. Dalli Gonzi and Camilleri (2021) noted that third, and final-year students tended to be in transition with final-year students moving into professional practice. 40% of students surveyed had difficulty discussing problems with anyone, including family and friends while 96% noted that their greatest source of stress were exams and assignments. Cefai and Camilleri (2009), recommended further studies taking on board students’ views, particularly the avoidance of professional help due to stigma. This inquiry adopts this recommendation for doctoral students.; The inquiry aims at a) increasing understanding of doctoral students’ experiences during their doctorate journey; b) gaining insights into strategies used and resources required by doctoral students to better cope with their studies; c) supporting the emergence of themes that identify ways of facilitating a healthy adjustment/transition through the doctoral journey; d) creating and evaluating relevant interventions.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150097 2026-10-16T07:54:54Z 2026-09-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Melitensia New Accessions: September 2026 Abstract: This document contains a list of the material recently acquired by the Melitensia Department in the month of September 2026

2026-09-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150040 2026-10-14T14:28:43Z 2026-09-01T00:00:00Z

Title: THINK : Issue 51 : September 2026 Abstract: THINK is a quarterly research magazine published by the Marketing, Communications & Alumni Office at the University of Malta.

2026-09-01T00:00:00Z