https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/327 2026-04-17T15:35:45Z 2026-04-17T15:35:45Z Abela, Kurt Clark, Marilyn https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145461 2026-04-10T08:15:01Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Navigating the juror role in Maltese criminal trials : a narrative inquiry Authors: Abela, Kurt; Clark, Marilyn Abstract: Research into the juror role highlights the demanding nature of jury service, requiring individuals to adapt to unfamiliar legal settings, emotional strain, and the burden of decision-making. This paper explores narratives of individuals who served in Maltese criminal trials, aiming to understand how they assumed and negotiated the role. Six former jurors participated in semi-structured interviews, and data was analysed through narrative inquiry using Dewey’s three-dimensional model of experience, alongside social constructionist role theories. Findings reveal that while participants recognised the gravity of their responsibilities, they faced challenges like limited agency and questionable audience segregation. Adopting the role involved ambiguous transitions, with pre-trial expectations and prior knowledge sometimes clashing with courtroom realities. Relinquishing the role post-trial evoked both relief and disorientation. Participants evaluated the performances of other courtroom figures, with these interactions shaping their experience. The study underscores the complexity of the juror role and offers recommendations for future research.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Mangion, Carmen Clark, Marilyn Williamson, Howard https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/144774 2026-03-10T13:49:49Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The experiential continuum : a case for longitudinal narrative research on youth transitions Authors: Mangion, Carmen; Clark, Marilyn; Williamson, Howard Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate the conceptual and methodological value of integrating narrative inquiry with qualitative longitudinal research (QLR) in order to better investigate and represent the complexity, dynamics and evolving nature of youth transitions.; Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a qualitative longitudinal design combined with narrative inquiry. It draws on empirical data from a Maltese doctoral study in which 16 young people enrolled in tertiary education were interviewed on three occasions over a 4-year period. Participants’ narratives are analysed longitudinally to capture how meanings, experiences and transitions develop over time within the interplay of personal agency and social structures.; Findings – The findings show that combining narrative inquiry with QLR provides depth, contextual richness and insight into how young people actively construct meaning across time. The analysis generates a typology of four ideal types: traditionalists, opportunists, pioneers and radicals, illustrating diverse pathways through which young people negotiate tradition and modernity, continuity and change and structure and agency during the transition to adulthood.; Originality/value – The study offers an original methodological contribution by demonstrating how longitudinal narrative methods can uniquely illuminate the experiential continuum of youth transitions. It advances youth studies by introducing an innovative typology of transition trajectories and by showcasing the added theoretical, policy and practice value of situating young people’s evolving narratives within broader social contexts.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141017 2025-11-10T07:28:39Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Perceptions of hypnosis and hypnotherapy among adults Abstract: Hypnosis is a state of consciousness characterized by focused attention, reduced peripheral awareness, and an increased capacity to respond to suggestions. It can be utilized for various purposes, including self-hypnosis and entertainment (Elkins et al., 2015). Hypnotherapy specifically refers to the clinical use of hypnosis by trained professionals as therapeutic tool to address specific issues (APA, 2023). The two practices employ similar methods for inducing relaxation in order to make suggestions or explore the subconscious mind (Barrett, 2010), however hypnosis suffers from a negative reputation due to media misrepresentation and other misuses. For this reason, this study aimed to explore the perceptions of hypnosis and hypnotherapy among adults within a community sample. A Focus Group conducted at the University of Malta explored the knowledge, biases, feelings, influences, and perceived advantages and disadvantages of hypnosis and hypnotherapy along the perceived relationship between them across different domains. Thematic Analysis revealed key themes including fears and underestimation of hypnosis, positive experiences of trance-like states, recognition of hypnotherapy as a last resort problem-solving tool, and the influence of personal characteristics and the Maltese cultural context on perceptions. Further research and educational programs are needed to raise awareness and promote a deeper understanding of hypnosis and hypnotherapy among professionals and the general public. Description: B.Psy.(Hons)(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141015 2025-11-10T07:21:56Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Swimming and well-being in women of menopausal age : an exploratory study Abstract: Menopause is the cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycle due to the termination of her ovarian functions, usually beginning between the ages of 45 and 55. Women’s well-being is affected by the symptoms of menopause, which may be of both a physical and a mental nature. Swimming is known to have therapeutic properties and thereby enhance quality of life. This study aimed to explore the effects of menopause on women, and the impact that regular swimming during their menopausal years can have on those effects. The objective was to explore the meaning that menopausal women give to swimming in their lives, including any benefits or risks posed to them by this form of exercise. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews from six women, aged between 45 and 55, who were experiencing signs of menopause and engaged in regular swimming. Thematic Analysis was employed as a methodological framework for analysing the transcripts. Four superordinate themes were identified, each theme further divided into various subthemes. Findings suggested that swimming is a suitable form of exercise for women of menopausal age and that the experience of regular swimming has a beneficial effect on both physical and mental well-being. A recommendation based on the study’s findings would be to create more awareness of the benefits of swimming in menopausal years and to encourage women to take up regular swimming, whether in a group or alone. Future research could explore how swimming compares to other forms of exercise for women of menopausal age. Description: B.Psy.(Hons)(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z