OAR@UM Collection:
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42221
2024-03-28T20:34:46Z'Uncomfortably numb' : the perspectives of Maltese mental health professionals towards depersonalization disorder
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/62499
Title: 'Uncomfortably numb' : the perspectives of Maltese mental health professionals towards depersonalization disorder
Abstract: This paper aimed to explore the clinical experiences of Maltese mental health professional
who have worked with clients suffering from Depersonalization Disorder (DPD) or
depersonalization symptoms. A qualitative approach, namely Thematic Analysis (TA), was
used and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with male and female
psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists. Five major themes were extrapolated from
the participant’s narratives during data analysis through TA. Prevailing factors originated
from the experience including; clinical understandings, the process of diagnosis, treatment
approaches, the self of the professional and the social context surrounding DPD. It can be
recognised that each of these factors play a role in the professionals’ working experience,
which inevitably also affects their clientele. Therefore, recommendations for future research
proposed a longitudinal study investigating the experience of Maltese individuals who suffer
or have suffered from DPD along with their experience with mental health settings.
Description: H.DIP.PSY.2018-01-01T00:00:00ZSubstance use and educational attainment : youth's substance use and the meaning they attribute to educational attainment : taken from the perspective of the professionals who work with them
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42721
Title: Substance use and educational attainment : youth's substance use and the meaning they attribute to educational attainment : taken from the perspective of the professionals who work with them
Abstract: Background: Education has become fundamentally important in modern society.
Considering the recent increase in illicit substance consumption in youths, it is intriguing to
explore the influence on the youths’ educational experience. This study will explore the
perception of such a reality by the professionals who work with such a population.
Aims: The current study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the experience of six
professional who work with youth who attend a non-compulsory educational institution and
consume illicit substances. The study sought to explore the following: How do professionals
perceive illicit substances to influence educational meaning making in youth’s? How do
professionals perceive this use to impact youth’s educational attainment?
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six participants. Verbatim
transcripts of the interviews were then analysed using Thematic Analysis.
Results: The analysis produced four overarching themes which were; Professional
understanding of illicit substance use in youth; Professionals perspective of use and deviant
behaviour in Youth; Professionals Perspectives of user’s backgrounds and education;
Professionals perspectives of factors influencing drug use and education in youths. A
description of these overarching themes and the related sub themes is presented
Conclusion: The results showed that youth who make use of illicit substances value
education. In addition, it resulted that youths’ willingness to succeed academically supported
the reduction of illicit substance consumption in youths.
Description: B.PSY.(HONS)2018-01-01T00:00:00ZA quantitative study analysing perceived stress and pet ownership in working University students
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42720
Title: A quantitative study analysing perceived stress and pet ownership in working University students
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the mean perceived stress scores
(MPSS) of working university students who own a pet differs from MPSS of those who do
not own a pet. The research was conducted using quantitative methods through an online
survey which was distributed through social media (Facebook). The survey was divided into
two parts: demographic questions and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). All eight
hypotheses were tested using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test to determine if there
was a significant difference between MPSS and variables. The main hypothesis was not
statistically significant showing that working students who own a pet did not report lower
MPSS than working students who did not own a pet. Moreover, results illustrated there is no
statistically significant difference in MPSS between working university students who own a
pet and those who do not own a pet.The main limitation of this study is the sample size. More
studies need to be conducted to investigate stress levels of working students and pet owners
in more detail.
Description: B.PSY.(HONS)2018-01-01T00:00:00ZThe relationship between self-esteem and undergraduates’ academic performance
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42718
Title: The relationship between self-esteem and undergraduates’ academic performance
Abstract: This dissertation presents a quantitative study where 242 undergraduates completed a questionnaire that explored the relationship between self-esteem and academic performance (AP). Research about what influences AP is constantly being conducted. This study explores what factors influence one’s academic self-concept and self-esteem which in turn have an impact on academic satisfaction.
Four overlying concepts are analysed in this study; gender, course features, parent/guardian(s) and peer influence, and the struggle of balancing and coping with academic work. The findings indicate that the main factors that have an effect are gender, class size, lecturer-student relationship, parent/guardian(s) academic background, child’s upbringing, peer relationships, group work and extracurricular activities. All these have p-values that do not exceed the 0.05 level of significance. This confirms that there is an association between such concepts. The results of the study are analysed and compared to existing literature and theories. From the data collated, it was concluded that better self-esteem boosting strategies should be suggested by the University and student integration should be implemented more within the educational system.
Description: B.PSY.(HONS)2018-01-01T00:00:00Z