https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63798 2026-04-22T14:40:03Z 2026-04-22T14:40:03Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/76760 2021-06-03T04:50:14Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Siblings’ relationship within a domestic violence context : a case study Abstract: The research aimed to gain a holistic understanding of how domestic violence (D.V.) affects the siblings’ relationship in the Maltese context. The main research question of this study is: What is the experience of the siblings’ relationship in the context of domestic violence between their parents/caregivers? This research was guided by a case study design, through using semistructured interviews with one family, involving three siblings and their mother. Professionals who worked with the family were additionally interviewed. A Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach (Braun, Clarke, Hayfield & Terry, 2019) was adopted to analyse the themes that emerged from the interviews. Using a systemic perspective enabled the researcher to focus on the siblings’ relationship, and how this supported the siblings during the domestic violence experience. The findings include the different roles that the siblings took while going through this experience. The siblings’ divided loyalty to their parents was also evident. Furthermore, the themes of trauma, resilience, justice-seeking, and the effects that such themes left on the sibling relationship were also important. Additionally, the mother’s support in safeguarding the sibling relationship was relevant in this research. It further transpired that, although the siblings experienced the domestic violence events differently, their sibling relationship was very important for them. This study also included recommendations for practice and research that the professionals can adopt to support sibling relationships while going through domestic violence. Description: M.FAMILY THERAPY&SYS.PRAC.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/76677 2021-06-03T04:49:22Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Male survivors of childhood domestic violence : making sense of the abuse and its impact on relationships Abstract: This study explores the narratives of five male survivors of childhood domestic violence. It takes into account the different types of abuse the participants were exposed to, and how they have understood its impact on their adult life and relationships. A narrative analysis, using individual semi-structured interviews enabled me to tap into the participants’ life stories, yielding rich descriptions of unique and untold experiences. The participants’ stories show that although there are certain similarities common to all the narratives, each story is unique. All males experienced a difficult and turbulent childhood growing up, lacking a loving and nurturing environment. This resulted in challenges later on in their intimate relationships. The males’ narratives also highlight their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. This study intends to add knowledge to the existing literature on male survivors of childhood domestic violence by offering useful and transferable findings to better understand the complexities involved. It also aims to support professionals working with family violence. Description: M.FAMILY THERAPY&SYS.PRAC.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/76673 2021-06-03T04:48:48Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Uncovering processes of change in systemic family therapy with blended families : a narrative case study Abstract: This study intended to bridge the gap between process-outcome research and real-life practice in family therapy with blended families. Change process research in couple and family therapy lags substantially behind treatment efficacy studies (Heatherington et al., 2005; Sexton & Datchi, 2014), particularly among stepfamily relationships (Lebow, 2018; Papernow, 2018a). This narrative case study embarked on a systemic inquiry which explored the process of change as told by the participating couple and family therapist along the course of systemic therapy. Data was collected systematically through interviews and a diary method at preset points along their initial four sessions. The findings underscored the need for a systemic understanding of couple help-seeking as a dyadic process, to assist timely intervention. The narrative which emerged continued to highlight the protracted formation phase of blended families. Change emerged as a multifaceted and multi-layered relational process. Negotiating relationships with parents outside the household was a central facet of therapy, accentuating needs around trust and affirmation within the couple subsystem. Clinical implications suggest facilitating transparency about co-parenting responsibilities, navigating different levels of decision-making, and reorganising boundaries within the blended family infrastructure. A primary mechanism for change included improving communication, while demonstrating the utility of directive strategies in the beginning phase of therapy to de-escalate conflict. The participants described that difference was created in the couple and family system through seeing their family life story and their opportunity to rewrite it. Further implications include considerations for long-term therapy for families with complex needs and specialised services to support blended families. Description: M.FAMILY THERAPY&SYS.PRAC.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/76654 2021-06-03T04:48:14Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The experience of fathers’ engagement in the lives of their ‘looked after’ children Abstract: This qualitative study explored the experience of fathers’ involvement in the lives of their looked after children. Six lone fathers were interviewed in depth using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2019) to analyse the data. My position as a researcher was informed by Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory. These six fathers spoke about various struggles they encountered when being involved in the social care system. Findings indicated that many times, fathers go through a lengthy process to be involved in their children’s lives. However, they were able to identify what supported them in this journey: family members, professionals and engaging in therapeutic processes. Recommendations for future research were identified in relation to therapeutic practices that can improve the experience of families in contact with the social care system including children and their fathers. Description: M.FAMILY THERAPY&SYS.PRAC.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z