https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/39859 2026-05-25T10:58:29Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52663 Title: Biracial identity development in Maltese-black local youth : implications for counselling Abstract: This study explored what, according to Maltese-Black biracial youth, helps or hinders the development of a healthy local biracial identity, which is defined as the synchronised development and integration of two distinct racial identities into one. The research question requistioned an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis using individual, semi-structured interviews. Six participants were recruited via snowball sampling. Interviews enabled me to tap the participants’ phenomenological data yielding rich descriptions of unique, firsthand, untold lived experiences. My interpretation of the participants’ narrated realities materialized the research aims. The participants’ voices, processed through the adopted conceptual framework—critical race theory, ecological biracial identity development models, and postcolonial concepts—, guided the elicitation of six themes, namely, biraciality, racialised context, navigating the racialised context, Maltafro/Maltafrikan(a) phenomenon, intersectionality, and shared experiences. Each theme, along with respective subthemes, accentuates what helps or hinders biracial identity development in Malta from a social justice advocacy orientation. Two major implications of this study are the current sociopolitical invisibility of this cohort in Malta and the absence of an anti-racism national policy. Another is the need for local counsellors to additionally work with the Maltese-Black biracial community from a social justice advocacy stand. Recommendations, as elicited from participants themselves, include the need for a racially-equitable national approach, as well as counselling research, practice and training. Description: M.A.TRANSCULTURAL COUNSELLING 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40138 Title: Understanding the relationship between Germans’ perceived stereotypes and social identity : implications for counselling Abstract: Background information: Stereotypes, as well as social identities, are formed through individuals’ environment and perceived differently by each individual. Thus, stereotypes and Social Identity (SI) interplay, depending on a person’s consciousness of being stereotyped, namely Stigma Consciousness (SC). Furthermore, Germans’ SC and SI is shaped by Germany’s unique socio-political history and current situation. Method: An online questionnaire was distributed via social media and other gatekeepers in order to explore the relationship between Germans’ SC, SI, SI subscales (ingroup ties, centrality and ingroup affect) and demographic/psychographic variables. Data of 579 respondents were analysed utilising descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between Germans’ SC and SI, and between SC and centrality. A significant negative correlation was found between Germans’ SC and ingroup affect. An analysis of demographic/psychographic data suggests that males experience higher ingroup affect and Germans living abroad experienced stronger SI, higher centrality and higher ingroup affect. Furthermore, Germans with higher levels of education display weaker SI and Germans with a right-wing political orientation experience a stronger SI. Conclusions: The significant correlation between Germans’ SC and SI leads to the conclusion that Germans with high perceptions of stereotypes experience a stronger sense of SI. This highlights the importance that counsellors need to be aware of their own, as well as their clients’ stereotypes, SC and SI. Due to the demonstrated importance of the SC – SI relationship, recommendations include awareness training for counsellors and educators, and the application of counselling interventions which explore clients’ SC and SI. Description: M.A.TRANSCULTURAL COUNSELLING 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40137 Title: A voice in the silent room : an autoethnography about childlessness after stillbirth Abstract: The purpose of this study is to develop a deeper understanding of the experience of stillbirth, as it is particularly, rather than generally, lived while exploring the possibility of diminishing the silence and isolation around expectations of grief which are largely situated in historical, cultural, political, and social meanings (Neimeyer, Klass & Dennis, 2014). Through the use of reflexive authoethnography, the researcher’s subjective descriptions of thoughts and emotions grounded in lived experience, and weaved with current literature on the subject, will hopefully be of help to other bereaved parents who feel alone and isolated from society. In addition, experiences of subsequent failures at conceiving another child, with the possibility of involuntary childlessness, are explored in a Maltese context as a means to understand how social and cultural structures mediate and complicate couples’ psychological functioning and wellbeing, especially the female counterparts due to age. Furthermore, this qualitative study will contribute to a deeper understanding for counsellors to effectively assist clients when they seek support for similar experiences. Description: M.A.TRANSCULTURAL COUNSELLING 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40136 Title: Counsellors’ perceptions of coping strategies for emotional wellbeing of middle-aged Maltese women Abstract: The aim of this study was to try to gain an understanding of counsellors' perceptions of the coping strategies utilised by middle-aged Maltese women for their emotional wellbeing. The study is an exploratory phenomenological study conducted using a qualitative approach and adopting the Theory of Personality of Carl Rogers as the theoretical framework. The data were gathered through in-depth semi-sturctured interviews with six counsellors and the method used for analysis of the interview transcripts is Thematic analysis. The data illustrated the evolution in Maltese culture over the years and the corresponding change in the cultural narrative of middle-aged Maltese woman arriving at a description of contemporary woman. The most salient coping strategy for emotional wellbeing was perceived to be connectedness in various forms. Wellbeing, stigma towards seeking professional help, resistance to counselling and the importance of self-awareness and reflection were all explored. Coping strategies of older and younger age groups were referred to as were the perceptions of the various coping strategies utilised by non-Maltese people and by men. Description: M.A.TRANSCULTURAL COUNSELLING 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z