https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78530 2026-05-05T21:37:00Z 2026-05-05T21:37:00Z Dibben, Andreana Debattista, Michael https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145733 2026-04-17T13:44:13Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Studies in Social Wellbeing : volume 5 issue 1 Authors: Dibben, Andreana; Debattista, Michael Abstract: Table of contents:; - EDITORIAL: Andreana Dibben; ARTICLES:; - NEET YOUNG PEOPLE’S PERSPECTIVES ON THEIR EXPERIENCE OF SCHOOL; Andreana Friggieri, Albert Bell, and Brian Belton; - MOTIVATIONS, BENEFITS AND BARRIERS AMONG OLDER MALTESE PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN HOSPITAL VOLUNTEER WORK; Rachel Xuereb, Roberta Sultana, and Maria Aurora Fenech; - NARRATIVE TRANSITIONS IN METHADONE MAINTENANCE TREATMENTS; Stephanie Cascun

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Dibben, Andreana https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145728 2026-04-17T13:38:57Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Editorial [Studies in Social Wellbeing : volume 5 issue 1] Authors: Dibben, Andreana Abstract: In the previous regular issue, I had the privilege of writing the editorial jointly with my predecessor, Dr Claudia Psaila. As I now step fully into the role of Editor-in-Chief of Studies in Social Wellbeing, my commitment is to ensure that the journal continues to serve as a space for rigorous, critical scholarship that promotes diverse voices and questions the wider social, political, and economic forces shaping our communities. [excerpt]

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Friggieri, Andreana Bell, Albert Belton, Brian https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145726 2026-04-17T13:26:12Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: NEET young people’s perspectives on their experience of school Authors: Friggieri, Andreana; Bell, Albert; Belton, Brian Abstract: This paper explores the perspectives of young people classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) in relation to their experiences of compulsory schooling. It draws on data from a broader phenomenological study investigating the lived experiences of NEET youth in Malta. The research employed participant observation and semi-structured interviews, with data analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). This method revealed seven key experiential themes, one of which— “The Impact of Previous School Experiences”—is the focus of this paper. The analysis highlights how participants’ educational experiences were shaped by factors such as teacher-student relationships, school-related stress, curricular relevance, and the personal meaning ascribed to schooling. The findings suggest that participants exercised agency in navigating schooling, often making decisions that conflicted with institutional and societal expectations, but which were necessary for their well-being. These insights contribute to the growing body of NEET literature and offer important implications for education policy, particularly in the development of interventions that are responsive to the lived realities of vulnerable youth.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Xuereb, Rachel Sultana, Roberta Fenech, Maria Aurora https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145722 2026-04-17T10:25:53Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Motivations, benefits and barriers among older Maltese persons participating in hospital volunteer work Authors: Xuereb, Rachel; Sultana, Roberta; Fenech, Maria Aurora Abstract: Volunteering is recognised as a highly productive activity. Older persons can choose to volunteer for different reasons. Some commit and continue, while others leave for various reasons. This study, conducted at a local Maltese acute hospital, aimed to explore the motivating factors to volunteer, the benefits experienced during the volunteer’s work and the barriers encountered during the volunteer work. A qualitative research design was used to acquire detailed data. The population sample was recruited through convenience sampling. A total of eleven (11) volunteers, 8 males and 3 females, participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews with the older Maltese volunteers at a place, date and time suitable for them. Subsequently, data were translated verbatim and analysed thematically. The analysis enabled a comprehensive understanding of the initial motivations and challenges related to volunteering. The key motivating factors identified were altruism, pursuits of personal gain, and the pursuit of social engagement. Benefits from volunteering included feelings of satisfaction, more appreciation towards life, and feeling appreciated by medical staff. Additionally, three primary barriers emerged: issues with transportation and parking, perception and attitudes of hospital staff, and the training provided. The findings of this study highlight the complex interplay of motivations, benefits, and barriers experienced by older person volunteers in a hospital setting. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted strategies to enhance volunteer recruitment, retention and satisfaction. By addressing the identified challenges, healthcare institutions can better support their volunteer workforce, ultimately benefiting both the volunteers and the wider community.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z