https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/90854 2026-04-15T23:07:10Z 2026-04-15T23:07:10Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/137627 2025-07-25T10:59:19Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Maltese University students’ lived experience of exercise throughout their studies Abstract: Research indicated that implementing a weekly exercise regimen in students’ university schedule has a positive influence on their university experience throughout their studies (Theodoratou et al., 2016). This study aimed to explore the lived experience of university students in Malta who exercise throughout their studies. In doing so, this dissertation contributed to the field of wellbeing and exercise, by highlighting the psychological impact and experiences of students who exercise while attending university. Six university students who actively engaged in exercise at least twice a week were recruited to participate in an in-depth interview. Following this, the interviews were then transcribed verbatim and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), four overarching superordinate themes emerged, with each theme including various subordinate themes. The findings suggested that actively participating in exercise throughout university studies brought about numerous challenges and compromises, however this lifestyle also seemed to have a positive impact during the young adults life. The participants viewed their journey of exercising while studying as a positive experience that taught them how to plan their time better, focus more and cope with university stresses which in turn they believed provided them with essential life lessons. The need for students to actively engage in exercise while studying was highlighted by the participants, who mentioned that recognition of the positive impacts of exercise on studies should be emphasised within educational institutions, however in order to be able to do this they must be taught how to manage their time properly. Suggestions for future research are to compare the experience between students at university who exercise and those who do not. Description: B.Psy.(Hons)(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/137626 2025-07-25T10:56:41Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: University life as experienced by shy students Abstract: Shyness has been found to be associated with a number of negative outcomes (Barry et al., 2013). These include dysthmia, generalised anxiety disorder, phobias, paranoid and dependent personalities (Batool & Zubair, 2018) as well as increased feelings of loneliness (Zhao et al., 2012). This exploratory study attempted to understand the experiences of University of Malta students who self-identified as shy and how this shaped their learning and socialisation on campus. Very little is known about shyness among university students and how this affects them throughout their studies (Zhao, Kong &Wang, 2013). This also applies to the local Maltese context. Six semi-structured interviewed were conducted with university students who self-identified as shy. The transcripts were then analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three superordinate themes were elicited along with their respective subthemes. One of the superordinate themes illustrated the coping mechanisms that the participants employed to manage university life. These included avoidance, a preference for invisibility and anonymity as well as solitude. The second superordinate theme depicted the personal characteristics that the participants used to describe their shyness. The last superordinate theme included the suggestions offered by the participants and what is already being done by the University of Malta in order to facilitate their socialisation and learning on campus. Suggestions offered by participants included the initiation of a series of interest-focused clubs as well as the option of allowing students forming part of large cohorts to choose group members in the case of groupwork. This superordinate theme also discussed the psychological needs of shy students; mainly the need of being understood more by lecturers and increased awareness on the part of the lecturers of the implicit messages being sent to students. As for future research, quantitative studies could be conducted wherein the relationship between shyness and academic performance could be examined. The relationship between shyness and satisfaction with university life could also be examined in future research. Lastly, future research could explore the lecturers’ perceptions of shy university students. It is hoped that this study can be of use and benefit to educators in tertiary institutions as well as in providing a deeper understanding regarding what it means to be shy. Description: B.Psy.(Hons)(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/137623 2025-07-25T10:54:07Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Psychological challenges young athletes face when dealing with a long-term injury Abstract: All over the world, you hear about athletes who see their season, or even a premature end to their sports career because of a serious injury. The aim of this study is to explore and identify the different mental states young athletes go through when injured, their coping mechanisms, and whether they found enough support through this tough time. Athletes face several challenges during the injury period, especially when dealing with both the physical and psychological aspects of the rehabilitation process. A qualitative approach was ideal to gain an in depth understanding of the participants’ experiences. For this study, a purposive sample was utilised to conduct six semi structured interviews with the athletes. The data analysis adopted for this dissertation was ‘Thematic Analysis’ (TA) in order to allow a rich, detailed and flexible understanding of the athletes’ lived experience. The results from this study indicate three main themes: ‘The Emotional and Psychological Pain,’ ‘Rehabilitation Process,’ and ‘Coping Mechanisms.’ The participants expressed evident emotional pain, and great absence in support when sustaining the injury. Results reveal that the athlete experiences similar feelings resembling the stages of grief described by Kübler-Ross (1969). Also, support from various sources as well as personal determination were found to be key for a successful rehabilitation. Having said this, the interviews highlighted the fact that most participants dissent from going to a sport psychologist in tough times. Furthermore, athletes still believe there is a stigma on psychological support and this is seen as weakness Description: B.Psy.(Hons)(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/137622 2025-07-25T10:51:39Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An exploration of the association between sleep deprivation and psychological distress among Maltese healthcare professionals Abstract: Sleep deprivation occurs when an individual experiences lack of sleep quantity and / or quality. The present research studied, the likelihood of undergoing negative psychological consequences when sleep deprived. Moreover, it looked at differences in sleep deprivation, and mental distress levels, of shift workers and non-shift workers. Participants who took part in the study came from four hospitals in Malta and Gozo. The majority were female (n = 148) mostly aged between 51 to 55 years. A quantitative methodology was employed, and data was collected through a voluntary sample of healthcare professionals, using an online survey, which assessed for demographics, sleep quality, sleep quantity and level of mental distress. The results obtained from Pearson’s correlation, suggest that there is a positive relationship between sleep quality and psychological distress (r = .558) in Maltese healthcare professionals. However, there was no relationship between sleep quantity and psychological distress. Additionally, results from the ANOVA shows that, no significant differences were found, between healthcare professionals who work on a shift basis, and those who work office hours during the day. The implications of these findings are discussed. Description: B.Psy.(Hons)(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z