https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/347 2026-03-08T17:23:55Z 2026-03-08T17:23:55Z Psaila, Rianne Sammut Henwood, Kevin Dave, Ravi https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143147 2026-01-27T12:50:42Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Tratti psicopatici elevati e la loro associazione con la gravità del reato, la recidiva e il fallimento o la resistenza al trattamento tra i detenuti di Malta Authors: Psaila, Rianne; Sammut Henwood, Kevin; Dave, Ravi Abstract: La psicopatia è stata a lungo associata al comportamento criminale, alla recidiva e alle sfide in ambito correzionale. Questo articolo presenta i risultati principali di uno studio trasversale condotto nel 2022, che ha esaminato la prevalenza della psicopatia e la sua relazione con la recidiva e gli esiti negativi nel sistema correzionale maltese. In particolare, lo studio ha esplorato come la psicopatia sia correlata alla resistenza agli interventi terapeutici, ai tassi di abbandono, alla non aderenza ai piani di cura e all’aumento delle infrazioni disciplinari tra i detenuti.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Calafato, Trevor https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142874 2026-01-20T13:50:34Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Security and terrorism : the implications of peace Authors: Calafato, Trevor Abstract: “God made human beings in the beginning, then left them to their own deliberations” (Ecclesiasticus 15:14). This is transposed in “free choice” or “free will” or what Aristotle considers “deliberate desire”. Thus, humans can freely choose what to do, and this reasoning power can compel and entertain various thoughts and perspectives, including choosing peace over terrorism or choosing terrorism to entertain a peace perspective, as well as being passive to what is happening around them. Galtung (1969) presented a discussion on the use of the term ‘peace’ and argues that peace cannot be understood simply as the absence of war but must be conceptualised in relation to different forms of violence. Galtung (1969) distinguishes between personal (direct) violence and structural (indirect) violence, and accordingly defines negative and positive peace. Negative peace incorporates the absence of direct, personal violence (e.g., killing, assault, warfare), while positive peace entails the absence of structural violence, which is equated with social justice, meaning an egalitarian distribution of resources and power. Very much like the two sides of a coin, while the negative peace reflects the suppression of overt violence, positive peace entails actively addressing inequalities and systemic injustices that create conditions for violence. Thus, according to Galtung (1969) peace research cannot be limited to studying the cessation of war but must also include the study of social systems, justice, and development. Reducing personal violence while ignoring structural violence can legitimise “law and order” societies that suppress dissent without addressing underlying injustices. Conversely, prioritising structural change while neglecting the dangers of personal violence can lead to revolutionary violence, including terrorism, reproducing new forms of repression. True peace requires engagement with both dimensions simultaneously.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Gauci, Christine Vella, Mary Grace https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142855 2026-01-19T12:21:32Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Love and technology : romance fraud in the age of artificial intelligence Authors: Gauci, Christine; Vella, Mary Grace Abstract: Love has long been revered as a fundamental human need, deeply interwoven with psychological well-being, identity, and social connection. In recent decades, the digital revolution has radically transformed how individuals initiate and sustain romantic relationships, with dating apps, social media, and online platforms offering new avenues for intimacy. While these tools have democratized access to love and broadened relationship possibilities, they have also introduced unprecedented vulnerabilities, chief among them, online romance fraud. This chapter explores the dual nature of technology in romantic contexts, examining both its transformative potential and its darker undercurrents. Particular attention is given to the emergence of romance fraud, a growing form of cybercrime in which perpetrators exploit emotional intimacy for financial gain. The psychological, financial, and social consequences for victims are profound, often leading to trauma, identity disturbance, and long-term relational mistrust. As technology continues to evolve, so too do the methods of deception. The chapter critically examines the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in this context, especially the use of deepfakes and synthetic personas, which has made romance fraud more convincing and scalable. These AI-driven deceptions challenge traditional notions of trust, authenticity, and emotional safety in digital relationships. Through an interdisciplinary lens, the chapter underscores the urgent need for digital literacy, ethical AI development, and cross-sector collaboration to mitigate harm. In an era where love can be artificially manufactured, the chapter calls for a re-evaluation of how we define intimacy, protect emotional integrity, and foster meaningful connection in an increasingly mediated world.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Vella, Mary Grace Vella, Graziella Azzopardi, Andrew https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142854 2026-01-19T12:19:30Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The paradox of balancing the domains of sustainable development : fostering a sense of well-being in the Maltese Islands Authors: Vella, Mary Grace; Vella, Graziella; Azzopardi, Andrew Abstract: The concepts of sustainable development, well-being, and liveability are frequently presented as universal and unambiguous goals. However, they are highly contested concepts fraught with paradoxes. This chapter critiques the dominant discourse that views development as inherently beneficial and based on economic growth, advocating instead for alternative perspectives. A sense of well-being—defined not just by a “balanced” trilogy of economic, social, and environmental factors but also by a deep-seated feeling of belonging—is intrinsically linked to a liveable place. Yet, what constitutes a “liveable” place is a subjective experience, shaped by the unique realities and values of local communities, not just by abstract, structural metrics. Malta, a small densely populated island state deeply embedded in the global economy, serves as a critical case study. Despite experiencing significant economic growth, primarily fueled by a neoliberal focus on tourism, financial services, and the gaming industry, the island confronts a profound dichotomy. This rapid economic expansion has come at a considerable cost, manifesting as unsustainable development challenges epitomized by rampant overdevelopment and overtourism as well as widening social inequalities. This chapter examines Maltese people’s sense of satisfaction with the economic, social, and environmental aspects of their communities through survey research with a representative sample of the Maltese population (N = 400). Survey respondents mentioned the lack of green open spaces, pollution, traffic congestion, overdevelopment, and construction sites as the main environmental factors impacting their well-being. The level of crime, high population density, and issues with connectivity were main factors affecting their social well-being while affordability of property prices, increasing tourist accommodation and catering establishments, and availability and accessibility to buy daily needs were the main economic aspects affecting well-being. The findings call for a critical reexamination of “development” and constituents of well-being across the macro and micro level for a more sustainable and liveable urban and natural environment within the Maltese islands.

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