Understanding the Maltese perception of death : a phenomenological approach

Abstract

This study explored the understanding of death. Its central aim was to understand perceptions surrounding death, how they have formed, and the extent to which they impact the way individuals construct meaning from them. Furthermore, the study also noted age differences for the above. Semi-structured interviews were used to interview six Maltese participants, aged between twenty-one and sixty-five. This qualitative study used interpretative phenomenological analysis as a method of analysis due to its emphasis on depth of understanding. Four superordinate themes were extracted from the analysis, together with their respective subordinate themes. This study’s findings reflected that death was seen as a mysterious event which brings peace, as well as grief. Ageing was not given much value in relation to understanding death as participants focused on the experiences and feelings which one is exposed to. Participants saw age as a state of being rather than as a chronological factor. This study suggests that death is understood as a feared, but natural event which humans have to accept in order to lead meaningful lives. It was furthered that death motivates individuals to make the most of their limited time.