https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/54750 Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:37:04 GMT 2026-04-04T10:37:04Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55793 Title: An investigation of family carers whose relatives have difficulty engaging with traditional mental health services. Abstract: This study investigated family caregivers whose relatives have difficulty engaging with traditional mental health services. Family caregivers often live in close contact with their mentally ill relative. The local situation in light of previous research conducted overseas was critically examined. Data was collected by means of face to face interviews. The experiences of a purposive sample of 10 family carers were obtained through semi-structure interviews. The socio-demographic characteristics of carers and their relatives where identified together with the main themes through content analysis. The three main themes included the family carers' experience; coping and adaptation and the family carers' experiences with the psychiatric services. These themes, sub themes and their related concepts were discussed in light of the identified literature. Family carers experienced both positive and negative feelings related to their relative's mental illness. Five carers whose relative was currently experiencing a relapse expressed that psychiatric illness was very difficult to live with. Though the carers coped and adapted to their relatives' illness some carers expressed the need for more emotional support. The family carers found that the current service provision lacked family involvement and did not assist carers in crises. Issues of lack of information and stigma were also recognized. From theses findings recommendations for further research, mental health services and education were identified. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MENTAL HEALTH NURSING Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55793 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55788 Title: The perceptions of nurses working in mental health about the practice of seclusion in Malta. Abstract: The aim of this research study was to identify how nurses working in a mental health hospital in Malta perceived the practice of seclusion. A purposive sample of six nurses, working in acute mental health settings where seclusion is practiced participated in this study. The objectives of this study were to identify the nurses' perceptions of seclusion and their implications as well as to compare and contrast the findings with similar studies in other countries. Findings in this study generally agreed with similar studies carried out elsewhere. In fact participants generally agreed that seclusion should be used as a last resort measure. Findings also outlined violence as a determining factor in the use of seclusion. Also alternative strategies such as the use of medications and one to one nursing supervision were also highlighted. Issues such as shortage of staff and the ward environment were also pointed out. This study also showed that secluding a patient might have an emotional impact on the nurses involved. This means that to improve psychiatric nursing care and the patients' quality of life one has to reduce the use of seclusion by means of improvement in practice, further research and nurses' training and education. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MENTAL HEALTH NURSING Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55788 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55310 Title: Nursing staffs' experience of being a subject of violence in acute psychiatric settings : a qualitative study Abstract: The subject of aggression and violence has been a topic of dispute for many years and has become a recognised occupational hazard within health care services. The aim of this research project was to identify the experiences of six nursing staff who had been the subject of violence in acute psychiatric in-patient settings. Through the use of a qualitative approach (semi-structured interviews), three major themes were developed focusing on the experience, the outcome of the incident and support and training issues. The interview schedule was developed from European and North American literature, which focused on the act of violence towards staff and staff experiences of being violated by a patient. Recommendations where then devised with reference to the literature and the specific responses of the interviewees. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MENTAL HEALTH NURSING Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55310 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55309 Title: The impact of media stigmatization on patient's perceptions of their mental illness : a qualitative study Abstract: Mass media is an influential tool for shaping the opinion of the public. Sometimes all we know about a group of people comes from portrays in the media. The media often pictures mental illness in a negative way, often leading the service user to experience stigma. Dehumanization, cultural dispossessing, alienation, injustice and denial are likely to increase when inaccurate portrays of mental illness are supported in the media. This qualitative study delves into the experience of six individuals diagnosed with mental illness and their lived experience of stigma in relation to portrays in the media. The results indicated that mass media generally reinforce the myths that the mentally ill are dangerous and violent often resulting in avoidance and exclusion. Therefore, a strategic action for change is needed. Positive use of media in terms of prevention and awareness, were also identified. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MENTAL HEALTH NURSING Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55309 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z