https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/328 2026-06-05T13:48:22Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147141 Title: Standing at the crossroads : a grounded theory of early-stage desistance from heroin careers in Malta Authors: Gellel, Manuel; Clark, Marilyn; Bell, Albert Abstract: Evidence suggests that individuals affected by problematic heroin use can desist at various points in their drug-using career. Drawing on a doctoral study that developed a non-linear four-stage model of desistance from heroin careers within the Maltese context, this paper focuses on exploring the contingencies that are in place during the initial pre-desistance stage. The study adopted an evolved grounded theory methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-two participants, fourteen identifying as male and eight as female, who had desisted from heroin careers for a minimum of five years. Findings show that a series of setbacks encountered after committing to a heroin career can create profound ambivalence, leading to pivotal reckoning moments that prompt individuals to consider change. Importantly, the emergence of hope that desistance is possible appears to play an instrumental role in initiating the desistance process. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146380 Title: Beyond religious narcissistic identification : agnostic and atheistic narcissism Authors: Żemojtel-Piotrowska, Magdalena; Piotrowski, Jarosław; Nowak, Bartłomiej; Saroglou, Vassilis; Maltby, John; Sedikides, Constantine; Adamovic, Mladen; Aminnuddin, Nur Amali; Yaw Appiah, Seth Christopher; Ardi, Rahkman; Babakr, Zana Hasan; Baldursson, Einar Baldvin; Bălțătescu, Sergiu; Bilgehan Aytaç, Muhammed; Bolatov, Aidos; Bonfá-Araujo, Bruno; Burghart, Matthias; Chobthamkit, Phatthanakit; Clark, Marilyn; Clobert, Magali; Cowden, Richard G.; Datu, Jesus Alonso; Dhakal, Sandesh; Dragova-Koleva, Sonya; Espejo, Begoña; Grigoryev, Dmitry; Gritti, Emanuela; Gundolf, Katherine; Habib, Rishad; Hossain, Md. Imran; Jaume, Luis Carlos; Iliško, Dzintra; Iqbal, Naved; Jovanović, Veljko; Jukić, Tomislav; Kamble, Shanmukh V.; Khachatryan, Narine; Knezović, Emil; Kovacs, Monika; Kumove, Heather A.; Eldesoki, Walaa Labib M.; Fernandez, Aitor Larzabal; Li, Norman; Lifshin, Uri; Liik, Kadi; Likhanov, Maxim; Mamuti, Agim; Mannerström, Rasmus; Marganski, Alison J.; Martín-Carbonell, Marta; Mestvirishvili, Maia; Moon, Chanki; Papageorgiou, Kostas A.; Park, Joonha; Pérez de León, Pablo; Puente Diaz, Rogelio; Ramos-Diaz, Jano; Smith, Troy; Tesfa, Gashaw; Trà, Kiều Thị Thanh; Tiliouine, Habib; Tomšík, Robert; Umeh, Charles S.; Vadvilavicius, Tadas; van den Bos, Kees; van Hiel, Alain; Wlodarczyk, Anna; Vally, Zahir; Vauclair, Christin‐Melanie; Yahiiaiev, Illia; Zand, Fatemeh Abstract: Agnosticism and atheism are often grouped simply as nonreligious identities, yet emerging research highlights their distinct psychological profiles and social implications. Among these distinctions, collective narcissism – characterized by strong attachment to one’s group, exceptionalism, and grievance for recognition – offers a framework for understanding identity processes in both nonreligious groups. We examined whether agnostics and atheists exhibit collective narcissism and its forms (agentic – focused on exceptional effectiveness; communal – focused on exceptional morality) similarly to believers. We explored cross-denominational variance in agentic and communal collective narcissism levels relying on data from 77 countries (N = 3,570; 1227 agnostics, 2343 atheists). Agnostics and atheists from secular countries reported lower collective (particularly agentic) narcissism relative to their counterparts from religious countries. Further, agnostics and atheists were higher on communal than agentic collective narcissism. The results highlight the utility of the agency-communion model of collective narcissism among nonbelievers. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146341 Title: Validation of Italian students’ self-ratings on the SSIS SEL brief scales Authors: Cavioni, Valeria; Conte, Elisabetta; Grazzani, Ilaria; Ornaghi, Veronica; Cefai, Carmel; Anthony, Christopher; Elliott, Stephen N.; Pepe, Alessandro Abstract: Introduction: Despite increasing interest in measuring social and emotional learning (SEL), there is a lack of European-validated tools for assessing the efficacy of SEL programs. The aim of this study was to validate an Italian version of the social skills improvement system (SSIS) SEL brief scales–student form.; Methods: Participants were 1,175 students (mean age: 11.02 years; SD: 2.42; range: 8–16 years; males: 46.8%) recruited at schools in Northern Italy.; Statistical analyses and results: Initial confirmatory factor analysis encountered a series of challenges, implying non-convergence of the original five-factor measurement model (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making) based on the Collaborative on Academic Social Emotional Learning (CASEL) competency framework established with students in the United States. Further exploratory and confirmatory analyses supported a four-factor model that remained partially invariant across gender groups. The Italian version of the SSIS SEL brief scales was thus shown to be an efficient measurement tool for estimating social and emotional learning in students.; Discussion: We discuss the implications of findings in relation to selecting valid and reliable instruments for assessing children’s and adolescents’ SEL competencies, while considering the culturally-situated nature of the constructs under study. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145461 Title: Navigating the juror role in Maltese criminal trials : a narrative inquiry Authors: Abela, Kurt; Clark, Marilyn Abstract: Research into the juror role highlights the demanding nature of jury service, requiring individuals to adapt to unfamiliar legal settings, emotional strain, and the burden of decision-making. This paper explores narratives of individuals who served in Maltese criminal trials, aiming to understand how they assumed and negotiated the role. Six former jurors participated in semi-structured interviews, and data was analysed through narrative inquiry using Dewey’s three-dimensional model of experience, alongside social constructionist role theories. Findings reveal that while participants recognised the gravity of their responsibilities, they faced challenges like limited agency and questionable audience segregation. Adopting the role involved ambiguous transitions, with pre-trial expectations and prior knowledge sometimes clashing with courtroom realities. Relinquishing the role post-trial evoked both relief and disorientation. Participants evaluated the performances of other courtroom figures, with these interactions shaping their experience. The study underscores the complexity of the juror role and offers recommendations for future research. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z