https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3339 2026-08-22T05:28:24Z 2026-08-22T05:28:24Z Buhagiar, Luke Joseph https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148426 2026-08-07T06:20:32Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Idiography in cultural political psychology : two routes to research Authors: Buhagiar, Luke Joseph Abstract: Specific cases of intercultural relations are precisely where the idiographic nature of such phenomena can be appreciated. By most accounts, what characterizes the idiographic is the emphasis on the individual case (Zedeck, 2014). This emphasis materialises itself as a focus on specific intercultural relations scenarios (the context in question, the people involved, etc.), specific intercultural relations disputes (objects of public debate, conflicting cultural practices, projects in common or otherwise, etc.), unique historic global events, and so on. The key word remains specificity. This specificity carries a range of implications with major consequences for how research is conducted in different cultural political psychologies and in psychology more broadly. [extract]

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Pulis, Matthew Buhagiar, Luke Joseph https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148425 2026-08-07T05:52:40Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Avatar-based interviewing : mediated research interviews in a gamified world Authors: Pulis, Matthew; Buhagiar, Luke Joseph Abstract: Avatars remain under-utilised in qualitative research interviews. This paper presents Avatar-Based Interviewing (ABI), which is a six-step qualitative method that addresses this gap by placing the avatar at the centre of the research encounter. Interviews are held in person, and an avatar is designed and discussed by participants. ABI involves: (1) identifying research questions and familiarising oneself with the gaming environment; (2) selecting an appropriate genre and game; (3) avatar creation by participants; (4) discussing the nickname chosen by participants for their avatar; (5) discussing the avatar and research topic; and (6) analysis with the avatar in focus. We present a case study with 23 teenagers in Malta, demonstrating ABI’s capacity to generate rich insights on young people’s identity and self-concepts. ABI encourages open dialogue and positions participants as co- researchers via its collaborative ethos. It allows the study of actual, ideal and alternative selves often missed by traditional interviews.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Buhagiar, Luke Joseph https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148424 2026-08-06T11:27:30Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Endurance for life projects : individual resilience in the context of chronic pain Authors: Buhagiar, Luke Joseph Abstract: Critical scholarship on resilience often holds that discourses focusing on individual resilience reify neoliberal governance. Such critiques rightly address the socio-politics surrounding persons from whom resilience is socially expected. However, they also risk reducing resilience to simply another appendage of neoliberal ideology. This ideological reductionism contradicts itself, by implicitly acknowledging the role of individual agency in dealing with adversity, whilst simultaneously conceptualizing ‘resilience’ as unfolding exclusively in ideological discourse. In equating resilience with neoliberal governance, such critiques meaningfully favour community- based forms of resilience, but stop short of appreciating the mental toughness required by individuals facing adversity, for fear of implicitly endorsing neoliberalism. In this paper, I make the case for individual resilience, by appealing to examples related to chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). The private, pervasive, unpredictable nature of pelvic pain, alongside often contrasting modes of pain management, make individual aspects of resilience essential in dealing with such adversity. Individual endurance features as indispensable and as complementary to community-based resilience, contrary to ideologically reductionist views. Taking CPPS as an exemplar for understanding similar chronic pain experiences, I argue that documented instances of resilience in this domain ultimately reflect the life projects that sufferers pursue despite their affliction. I conclude that: (1) psychology requires a re-conceptualisation of resilience as embodied ‘endurance for’ life projects, re-orienting individuals' approach to their chronic pain; (2) a focus on individual resilience does not imply neoliberal ideation, but can actually be accompanied by other theoretical counterparts at the societal level, some of which actively resist neoliberalism.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146716 2026-05-22T09:50:12Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Artificial intelligence in pathology services : a policy approach to enhance diagnostic efficiency at Mater Dei Hospital Abstract: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Pathology Services presents opportunities to improve diagnostic efficiency, accuracy and service delivery in public healthcare systems. This study explores the adoption of AI in the Pathology Department at Mater Dei Hospital through a policy-oriented perspective, focusing on how strategic public policy initiatives can support effective implementation while addressing institutional and operational challenges. Using a qualitative research design, the study employs semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, together with document analysis of national health strategies, AI policy frameworks, and institutional guidelines. The research investigates the practical, ethical, technical, and organisational challenges encountered during the implementation of AI technologies in Pathology Services, such as data governance, workforce readiness, infrastructure limitations, regulatory uncertainty and resistance to change. It further examines existing and potential strategies to overcome these barriers, including targeted training programmes, investment in digital infrastructure, clear regulatory standards and interdisciplinary collaboration. The study analyses how public policy can be tailored to maximise the benefits of AI integration such as improved diagnostic turnaround times, enhanced decision support and optimised resource allocation while mitigating risks related to accountability, bias and patient safety. By harmonising institutional practices with national digital health and AI strategies, the research highlights the role of coherent policy frameworks in promoting sustainable and ethical AI adoption. The findings aim to inform policymakers and healthcare leaders by offering evidence-based recommendations to guide AI integration in Pathology Services at Mater Dei Hospital and comparable public healthcare settings, contributing to more efficient, resilient, and patient centred diagnostic services. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z