https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/327 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:46:35 GMT 2026-04-07T15:46:35Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/144774 Title: The experiential continuum : a case for longitudinal narrative research on youth transitions Authors: Mangion, Carmen; Clark, Marilyn; Williamson, Howard Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate the conceptual and methodological value of integrating narrative inquiry with qualitative longitudinal research (QLR) in order to better investigate and represent the complexity, dynamics and evolving nature of youth transitions.; Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a qualitative longitudinal design combined with narrative inquiry. It draws on empirical data from a Maltese doctoral study in which 16 young people enrolled in tertiary education were interviewed on three occasions over a 4-year period. Participants’ narratives are analysed longitudinally to capture how meanings, experiences and transitions develop over time within the interplay of personal agency and social structures.; Findings – The findings show that combining narrative inquiry with QLR provides depth, contextual richness and insight into how young people actively construct meaning across time. The analysis generates a typology of four ideal types: traditionalists, opportunists, pioneers and radicals, illustrating diverse pathways through which young people negotiate tradition and modernity, continuity and change and structure and agency during the transition to adulthood.; Originality/value – The study offers an original methodological contribution by demonstrating how longitudinal narrative methods can uniquely illuminate the experiential continuum of youth transitions. It advances youth studies by introducing an innovative typology of transition trajectories and by showcasing the added theoretical, policy and practice value of situating young people’s evolving narratives within broader social contexts. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/144774 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z 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/123456789/141000 Title: Sex and the clergy : an insider perspective on attitudes towards celibacy Authors: Catania, Andrea; Lauri, Mary Anne Abstract: Sexuality is an important part of the human experience. It can be considered a sensitive topic especially in a religious context. Manliness, on the other hand, has been emphasised by the Catholic Church for many years (van Es, 2021). One example of this is through the support of male-dominant gender hierarchies in the Church (Gerber, 2015). Men and masculinities seem to be understudied in the religious sphere and studies on gender and religion tend to centre around women (Romeo Mateo, 2021). There is literature about celibacy and loneliness, however, many of these studies are among involuntary celibates known as incels (Sparks et al., 2023). Research on the intersection of sexuality, masculinity, and religion among clergy is lacking. This is surprising, since celibacy is a notable pillar of priesthood in the Catholic Church. It is especially so in the Maltese context where the ratio of priests in the community is high compared to other secularized societies. It is therefore important to understand what part sexuality plays in the life of a celibate person, especially in the context of hegemonic masculinity. This is because priests tend to fall between two male stereotypes: the hegemonic man and the biblical man (Roger, 2019). Hence, the aim of the study is to investigate whether there is a relationship between celibacy, manhood beliefs and loneliness. A survey will be carried out among a sample of Roman Catholic priests living in Malta. Questions from three scales will be used in the questionnaire: the Commitment to Celibacy Scale (Joseph et al., 2010), the Loneliness Scale (de Jong Grievald & Van Tilburg, 2006), and a manhood beliefs scale. The expected sample size is 150 male priests. There is an expected association between attitudes towards celibacy and manhood beliefs, as well as between attitudes towards celibacy and loneliness. However, the direction of the relationship will be determined by the results of the study. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141000 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z