https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123273 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 23:04:32 GMT 2026-06-12T23:04:32Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146260 Title: The mystic youth : how spirituality helps young people overcome their own existential wounds : a thematic analysis amongst the Maltese mixed gender scouts group Abstract: This research investigates the intricate relationship between spirituality and the existential challenges faced by young individuals within the Maltese Mixed Gender Scouts. The study aims to highlight the capacity of spirituality as a means of coping and resilience. A qualitative method was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with six scouts aged 18 to 23. Thematic analysis was used to examine the narratives and uncover recurring patterns. Key findings reveal that scouting provides a significant support system through emotional and practical assistance, fostering leadership, self-reliance, and instilling core values such as teamwork, empathy, and responsibility. Spiritual practices within scouting, including meditation and reflection during nature activities, help manage stress and foster inner peace, contributing to personal well-being. The study concludes that spirituality within scouting offers a framework for young individuals to navigate existential challenges, promoting resilience and personal growth. This research adds to the growing body of literature on youth development and the role of supportive communities, particularly in unique communal contexts like scouting. The findings underscore the importance of structured activities and community support in managing stress and enhancing emotional and psychological resilience. Recommendations for scouting organizations include integrating spiritual practices more deeply into their programs to further support holistic youth development. Future research should explore the long-term impact of spirituality within scouting on individual development and well-being. Description: B.A. (Hons) YCS (Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146260 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146171 Title: Perceptions of mental health professionals about male survivors of maternal emotional abuse Abstract: During these last few years, research has focused on emotional abuse perpetrated by female caregivers. In this dissertation, an attempt has been made to understand better how mental health professionals perceive their clients, more specifically, the male adult survivors of maternal abuse. This study delves into the attitudes, beliefs, challenges, and training needs of mental health professionals working within this sector. Data gathered from semi-structured interviews with six mental health professionals revealed insights into different aspects related to their profession. Research highlighted the mental health professionals’ perceptions, shedding light on the type of theoretical guidelines that these professionals follow during their therapy sessions, what type of therapeutic methods they work with, and what type of barriers are encountered during the healing process. During the interviews, discussions revolved around the potential gaps in understanding, what service provision authorities offer, and the professional training mental health professionals are equipped with when working in such an intimate environment. The conclusions contribute to a better and faster understanding of the complexities surrounding maternal emotional abuse and offer implications for enhancing support and interventions for male survivors within mental health practice and education. Description: B.A. (Hons) YCS (Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146171 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146170 Title: The impact of unspoken peer pressure on young people in Malta : an exploratory study Abstract: This study shall attempt to unravel the social phenomenon of unspoken peer pressure and its impact on the longitudinal patterns of behaviour, cultural values and norms. In a rapidly evolving society, it is pivotal to comprehend the implications of this phenomenon, particularly on young people. This social inherent pressure can be imposed by various social groups, and has the potential to shape people’s behaviours. This social pressure urges youth to conform to certain behaviours due to the subtle influence exerted by peers within a social framework and milieu. Drawing from the insights gained through qualitative analysis, the study shall investigate the underlying factors causing unspoken peer pressure and its impacts on young people’s lifestyle. Through the participants’ direct experiences, the research determines whether this concept exerts positive of negative influence on young people and how it is being reflected on their overall wellbeing. The researcher also sought to understand the primary coping strategies employed by young people when confronted with this phenomenon. Description: B.A. (Hons) YCS (Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146170 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132791 Title: Youth transitions of tertiary education students in Malta : a narrative inquiry Abstract: This study is an empirical investigation of negotiation of youth transitions of tertiary education students in Malta. It starts with an articulation of the changing concepts and metaphors used to explore how, in the last decades, the journey to adulthood has become extended, less sequential, delayed or postponed. While extensive literature on school-to-work transitions and on young people who are not in employment, education or training exist, research regarding young people in tertiary education has been neglected. The study aims to fill this lacuna and addresses how transitions of Maltese young people in tertiary education extend from the past to the present and into the future; how the personal and the social interact in the negotiation of these transitions; and how transitions are situated in the Maltese context. Taking a qualitative longitudinal approach, the research uses narrative inquiry to examine the stories of eight young men and eight young women who were interviewed three times over a period of four years. Three main themes emerged: continuity and change; the construction of identities through relationships; and the landscape of transitions of the Maltese islands. The study proposes a typology of young people transitioning through tertiary education in Malta: ‘traditionalists’; ‘pioneers’; ‘opportunists’; and ‘radicals’. The findings show that these four ideal-types are not static. The study thus makes a contribution to the evolving theory on youth transitions in Malta and beyond and concludes with some recommendations for further research. Description: Ph.D.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132791 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z