https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1044 Sat, 04 Apr 2026 21:53:57 GMT 2026-04-04T21:53:57Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141017 Title: Perceptions of hypnosis and hypnotherapy among adults Abstract: Hypnosis is a state of consciousness characterized by focused attention, reduced peripheral awareness, and an increased capacity to respond to suggestions. It can be utilized for various purposes, including self-hypnosis and entertainment (Elkins et al., 2015). Hypnotherapy specifically refers to the clinical use of hypnosis by trained professionals as therapeutic tool to address specific issues (APA, 2023). The two practices employ similar methods for inducing relaxation in order to make suggestions or explore the subconscious mind (Barrett, 2010), however hypnosis suffers from a negative reputation due to media misrepresentation and other misuses. For this reason, this study aimed to explore the perceptions of hypnosis and hypnotherapy among adults within a community sample. A Focus Group conducted at the University of Malta explored the knowledge, biases, feelings, influences, and perceived advantages and disadvantages of hypnosis and hypnotherapy along the perceived relationship between them across different domains. Thematic Analysis revealed key themes including fears and underestimation of hypnosis, positive experiences of trance-like states, recognition of hypnotherapy as a last resort problem-solving tool, and the influence of personal characteristics and the Maltese cultural context on perceptions. Further research and educational programs are needed to raise awareness and promote a deeper understanding of hypnosis and hypnotherapy among professionals and the general public. Description: B.Psy.(Hons)(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141017 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141015 Title: Swimming and well-being in women of menopausal age : an exploratory study Abstract: Menopause is the cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycle due to the termination of her ovarian functions, usually beginning between the ages of 45 and 55. Women’s well-being is affected by the symptoms of menopause, which may be of both a physical and a mental nature. Swimming is known to have therapeutic properties and thereby enhance quality of life. This study aimed to explore the effects of menopause on women, and the impact that regular swimming during their menopausal years can have on those effects. The objective was to explore the meaning that menopausal women give to swimming in their lives, including any benefits or risks posed to them by this form of exercise. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews from six women, aged between 45 and 55, who were experiencing signs of menopause and engaged in regular swimming. Thematic Analysis was employed as a methodological framework for analysing the transcripts. Four superordinate themes were identified, each theme further divided into various subthemes. Findings suggested that swimming is a suitable form of exercise for women of menopausal age and that the experience of regular swimming has a beneficial effect on both physical and mental well-being. A recommendation based on the study’s findings would be to create more awareness of the benefits of swimming in menopausal years and to encourage women to take up regular swimming, whether in a group or alone. Future research could explore how swimming compares to other forms of exercise for women of menopausal age. Description: B.Psy.(Hons)(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141015 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140990 Title: Predictors of consumer behaviour in video games with game-of-chance transactions Abstract: Gacha games are a relatively new phenomenon in video games that have been steadily and globally rising in popularity. These games are generally free to play, with the expectation that a portion of the players spend money for the chance to obtain characters/items they want from a randomised system (similar to a lottery). This study aimed to examine some of the potential predictors of spending behaviour in Gacha games. Specifically, demographic characteristics, participant’s experience with Gacha, Fear of Missing Out, the Big Five Personality Traits and Susceptibility to Interpersonal Influence were considered. An anonymous online survey was disseminated to online gaming communities interested in Gacha. The sample consisted of 148 participants, the majority of whom were male. The average age was 23.7 years old (SD = 8.4). While Europe provided the largest continent sample group, the overall sample was quite internationally diverse. Tests of group differences and correlations were used to analyse collected data. The results indicated that Fear of Missing Out, the Big Five Personality Traits and Susceptibility to Interpersonal Influence had no statistically significant relationship to purchase behaviour within Gacha games. However, a weak, yet significant negative relationship between spending in Gacha and Susceptibility to Informational Influence; a subscale of Susceptibility to Interpersonal Influence was observed. Age, education level, and income were positively correlated with spending in Gacha games. North American participants were most likely to spend on Gacha than other continents. Additionally, PC players were more likely to spend than other platforms. Playing more than one Gacha game implicated more spending overall. The finding that Susceptibility to Informational Influence may predict decreased spending in Gacha has important implications. It implies information-seeking consumers are less likely to fall victim to problematic spending patterns. Efforts on consumer education should be encouraged, as apart from possibly having utility when Gacha is concerned, it is probably useful in other areas of general consumerism as well. Description: B.Psy.(Hons)(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140990 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140982 Title: The exploration of attitudes towards “catcalling” in the Maltese adult population Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes regarding street harassment in the adult Maltese population and compare them by demographics, such as gender, sexuality and age. The final sample consisted of 144 participants who provided their age, gender, race/ethnicity and sexuality, and answered questions related to catcalling. This data was collected using online questionnaires via Google Forms and analysed using SPSS. It was discovered that women and non-binary individuals experienced stranger harassment more frequently, while homosexuals experienced it less than both bisexuals and heterosexuals. Context and characteristics of the catcaller, such as age, attractiveness, time of day and whether the victim was alone or accompanied by friends affected how negatively the experience was perceived. However, attractiveness and age of the catcaller played a bigger role for men. The most frequently endorsed coping style in the sample was passive. Such a coping style hinders the recognition of street harassment as a serious issue that affects people in Malta, as well as policy-making. Moreover, it may send a message that catcalling is acceptable. Coping practices varied by gender, men were more likely to take catcalling as a compliment and women were more likely to employ avoidance. Sexuality mainly affected the individual’s coping: heterosexuals favoured avoidance, while those of “other” sexualities experienced greater self-blame. In conclusion, this study’s results were consistent with the previous research findings and further explored how some of the under-studied demographics, such as age and sexuality, may affect one’s perceptions of catcalling. Description: B.Psy.(Hons)(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140982 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z