https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36820 Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:08:06 GMT 2026-07-04T03:08:06Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42228 Title: Creativity in local family therapy practice Abstract: Creativity is a multi-faceted socially-constructed concept that has become integral to the therapeutic process. The scope of this study was to identify the themes on Maltese family therapists’ constructions of creativity in their clinical practice, and shed light on the processes that might help or hinder the said creativity. Data was gathered through interviews with 6 local family therapists, and was analysed using thematic analysis in order to collate it into relevant themes. Themes on participants’ understanding and use of creativity varied, from being a means of communication and expression, to providing multiple functions in the therapeutic process. Findings highlight that creativity also took different forms, from the purely dialogical, to the use of creative media and divergent thinking. Participants further identified numerous processes that influenced their ability to utilise creativity in their clinical setting. Most of these creative processes emphasised the self of the therapist, including selfconfidence, motivation, upbringing, training, supervision and self-reflection. Other processes concerned the client family and work environment, specifically the time and resources available to family therapists. Participants additionally commented on how other colleagues and their supervisors were instrumental in influencing their creative potential in the therapeutic setting. In conclusion, all participants were unanimous that the use of creativity in family therapy practice was of paramount importance even though their concept of creativity varied. Numerous processes influence the therapist’s use of creativity. Finally, participants put forward their own recommendations to aid the development of creativity in the field of family therapy practice. Description: M.FAMILY THERAPY&SYS.PRAC. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42228 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42225 Title: The perinatal and early years experience of motherhood in the context of borderline personality disorder Abstract: This study explored the perinatal and early years experience of motherhood in the context of borderline personality disorder. This is considered to be an under-researched area. This qualitative study adopts an interpretative phenomenological approach. Six mothers having children from 12 months to 5 years were interviewed in-depth. The emerging themes revealed the mothers' childhood experiences of trauma and abuse in the family of origin in the context of a patriarchal belief system. The participants struggled with mental health issues, including suicidal ideations. Healthier coping skills were adopted through therapeutic support and reparative emotional experiences. Yet, mothers struggled between adopting a reparative and replicative script in parenting. Mothers' experienced dissatisfying couple relationships and wished to find a partner who demonstrated love in their regard. Motherhood was viewed as an emotional experience. Bonding with the baby was sometimes challenging due to the unstable relationship status and limited support. These findings were interpreted through a systemic conceptual framework, including attachment, narrative and a socioconstructionist approach. This study emphasizes the importance of adopting early intervention therapeutic support in a systemic manner to best support the mother-baby dyad as well as the familial relationships. Description: M.FAMILY THERAPY&SYS.PRAC. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42225 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42224 Title: Depression across the generations : intergenerational stories, meanings and resilience Abstract: This qualitative study explored the meanings and stories held by families with multiple generations of depression. Two families with three different generations in each were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. The chosen method of data analysis was interpretative phenomenological approach and findings were interpreted using attachment perspective, narrative and contextual ideas. Analysis of the themes revealed the multi-directional impact that depression had on these families and on their relationships. Although depression was experienced in all three generations, participants strived to break the cycle of depression by attempting to do things differently from previous generations. The idea that families made use of their internal resources to act as care givers for each other were also portrayed in the outcomes. Furthermore, findings indicated that in spite of the negative impact of depression, especially on the disconnection of relationships, resilience in these families shone through. Recommendations for future research were identified, especially considering the lack of qualitative research on intergenerational depression, and implications for practice and recommendations for policy were suggested. Description: M.FAMILY THERAPY&SYS.PRAC. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42224 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42223 Title: The couple relationship when the female partner has an acquired physical disability Abstract: This study explored the stories told by three heterosexual couples in whom the females sustained an acquired physical disability in the course of their relationships. The stories presented related to the couples’ day-to-day functioning as individuals and dyads. Individual and joint semi-structured interviews were held with each participating couple. Thematic narrative analysis of the stories presented shows how coping post-disability was brought about by mutual and reciprocal circular patterns of interaction initiated and maintained within the couple relationship but influenced by the socio-cultural context. Whereas it was difficult to decipher which party had started off these processes, their occurrence over time limited the burden experienced by both parties because of the disability. The females in this study were empathic and endowed with a sense of gratitude whilst the males were caring and supportive. Both parties were determined to help out each other in times of need and to survive the disability ordeal as a couple even if this entailed self-sacrifice and -adjustment. The conclusions of this study speculate about practices and interventions which practitioners, clinicians and policy makers can adopt in supporting couples impacted by an acquired physical disability or other adversities. Description: M.FAMILY THERAPY&SYS.PRAC. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42223 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z