https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/338 2026-04-09T04:27:45Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138894 Title: Unveiling the unspoken burden : a phenomenological exploration of the lived experiences of parents and guardians of young people with mental health challenges in Malta Abstract: The lived experiences of parents and guardians in Malta who provide care for young people with mental health issues are examined in this research. They are voices that are far too frequently ignored in discussions about mental health. In-depth interviews were carried out using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to reveal the significant emotional, psychological, and social effects of providing care in this setting. Three main themes emerged from the analysis, namely Caregivers' Emotional Strain, Caregivers’ Wellbeing, and Institutional and Social Barriers. Participants discussed how their sense of self and parental identity had changed, often via loss and self-sacrifice to the continuous psychological toll of long-term parenting, and the mental turmoil they encountered during acute crisis. Social isolation, emotional suffering, and chronic physical exhaustion were prevalent, and several carers were preoccupied with their constant responsibilities and vigilance. Systemic flaws made their difficulties worse, even in the face of moments of resilience and self-care. Participants mentioned a concerning lack of mental health education, especially in educational and healthcare contexts, outdated institutions, a lack of regular therapeutic routines, and inadequate service coordination. Societal stigma further deepened their isolation, silencing many from speaking out, especially when the mental health struggle involved their child. These stories, however, include not only suffering but also incredible strength, determination, and an urgent desire for change. This study emphasises the need for policies that acknowledge, support, and empower the unseen framework supporting Malta's mental health services, that are not only youth-focused but also inclusive of carer reality. In giving voice to these caregivers, this exploration urges mental health systems to be revamped as humane, inclusive, and just, where those who care are also cared for. Description: B.A. (Hons) YCS (Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138893 Title: The influence of physical activity on young people experiencing anger Abstract: During life trajectories, young people tend to experience increased susceptibility to anger. Although anger is a natural emotion, society tends to misinterpret and stigmatise it. Shedding light on George Engel's biopsychosocial model, developed in the late nineteenth century, argued that anger stemmed from biological, psychological, and social factors. Physical activity promotes emotional stability and social well-being. However, it can also increase anger in competitive settings, shaped by individual interpretations, emotional intelligence, and different personality traits. This study explored anger triggers beyond moral judgement. It evaluated how physical activity and sports influence anger in young people, aiming to provide anger-management tools, while developing practical recommendations for professional application. Through qualitative research, six participants (five males and one female, aged 21-30) who sought professional therapy support for 1 to 10 years, experiencing frequent or situational anger, participated in semi-structured interviews. A purposive and snowballing sampling technique ensured reliable and transparent narratives. The research participants engaged in team sports, including football, and individual activities such as gym workouts, boxing sessions, walking routines, and yoga lessons. The researcher processed the data using reflexive thematic analysis, which helped to establish coherent themes. The study's findings revealed that individuals exhibited anger as a result of trauma-related emotional responses and cognitive interpretations shaped by familial relationships, peer pressures, and societal pressure. Physical activity provided short-term emotional relief but lacked long-term anger management benefits, while competitive and commercialised environments frequently elicited anger. A major concern for PA was its association with emotional dependency as its role in the participants` identity formation was highlighted, where possible cessation jeopardised their future emotional stability. Effective anger interventions suggest the integration of physical activity with mindfulness practices, music, writing sessions, talk therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, and spiritual approaches. Community interventions with cross-sector cooperation support should prioritise emotional well-being. Consequently, youth workers, educators, and policymakers must work in synergy to include physical activity in mental health strategies. Meanwhile, educational institutions must unify physical activity initiatives with emotional intelligence education to promote holistic wellbeing. Additionally, youth transitioning out of physical activity require structured support plans to maintain their emotional stability, which points to the risks of dependency. The research advocates the exploration of possible earlier youth intervention programmes to promote equal weight for emotional development and academic success, while continuing to empower youth and society to challenge the existing social stigma associated with anger. Description: B.A. (Hons) YCS (Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138892 Title: Volunteerism and belonging : understanding the engagement of LGBTIQ+ volunteers in Catholic organisations Abstract: This dissertation seeks to explore the multifaceted and dynamic nature of the relationship between volunteerism, identity, and belonging of LGBTIQ+ individuals in Catholic organisations. This research explores how LGBTIQ+ volunteers’ experiences in faith-based settings shape emotional well-being and identity reconciliation. This exploration was carried out by means of qualitative semi-structured interviews with six LGBTIQ+ volunteers who are active in different catholic organisations. The motivations of participants to volunteer are critically examined using a combination of motivations other than spiritual beliefs, personal growth, traditions, and social relationships. It also considers the substantial discrepancies in acceptance and inclusion experienced by LGBTIQ+ volunteers and explains that their feelings of belonging are determined largely by individual attitudes of clergy and their peers in the community. The dissertation identifies a pivotal debate between conventional Catholic doctrinal styles about sexual activity and the latest and much more holistic ideas of love and acceptance. Participants often navigated these doctrinal conflicts individually, reinterpreting religious teachings, aided by progressive clergy who also offered important support. The data analysis underscores major gaps in internal LGBTIQ+ and Catholic knowledge around sexual orientation and gender identity, pointing to notable deficiencies in education that prevent full inclusivity. Yet, youth ministry is seen as a promising entry point for developing increased acceptance and inclusion in Catholic organisational cultures. The research reminds us why youth work matters and pushes for more visibility and LGBTIQ+ representatives in youth leadership positions. The final word from the study for such Catholic organisations is mandatory formal anti-discrimination doctrine, theologically inclusive narratives, sensitivity training, and leadership representation of LGBTIQ+. Description: B.A. (Hons) YCS (Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138891 Title: Her road to recovery : an analysis of the experience of female drug dependents Abstract: This study explores the experiences of women in Malta recovering from substance use disorder (SUD), with a focus on the gendered challenges they encounter. For many, addiction is tied to past trauma, social stigma, and the strain of caregiving roles; difficulties often made worse by traditional cultural expectations. While awareness of the need for more inclusive support is growing, much of the research and treatment available still follows male-focused models, frequently overlooking the complex realities of women’s lives. This research set out to explore how women move through the various stages of addiction, from onset and escalation to recovery, and how their experiences are influenced by social expectations, victimisation, and emotional vulnerabilities. It also considers the impact of gender-responsive and trauma-informed treatment in helping women rebuild their lives, offering insight into what genuinely supports and sustains their recovery journeys. This study adopted a qualitative phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of women in Malta who had maintained abstinence for a minimum of three years. Using semi-structured interviews, each woman was given a respectful space to share her story. Thematic analysis is utilised to extract recurring patterns, offering deep insight into how gender, trauma, and social context influenced their journeys through addiction and recovery, and the strength behind their sustained change. The findings showed that trauma, including childhood abuse, intimate partner violence, and emotional neglect, was a common thread throughout the women’s lives and played a key role in the onset of substance use. Many shared that drugs became a way to cope, while stigma and fears around losing custody of children were significant barriers to seeking support. Some engaged in sex work as a survival strategy, exposing them to harm and victimisation. The women also described the emotional strain of caregiving, feelings of shame, and absence of services tailored to their needs. Structural gender inequality, evident in male-oriented treatment environments and lack of appropriate care, further limited access to treatment. However, they highlighted the value of gender-responsive care, women-only spaces, and supportive female professionals in recovery. These women recounted experiences of resilience, spirituality, and connection with peers as key sources of strength and healing. These findings highlight the urgent need for addiction services in Malta to embrace trauma-informed, gender-sensitive care. Supporting lasting recovery means rethinking current frameworks to reflect the real-life experiences of women and to ensure access to safe, inclusive, and empowering support. Placing women’s voices at the heart of service design is vital in creating more compassionate and effective systems of care. Description: B.A. (Hons) YCS (Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z