Common existential questions asked by adolescents : perspectives of RE and PSD teachers

Abstract

Humans explore the mysterious around and within them. Exploration of the mysterious is normally done through the formation of existential questions. This contributes to the construction of a personal identity. The present study delves deep into the innermost important questions that may bewilder adolescent students. This investigation commences with a combination of theological and philosophical approaches to the subject matter and provides a context of the fundamental questions. Following these approaches, the study investigates the psycho-social life of adolescents. Through an empirical research the study will determine the most common existential questions among Maltese adolescent students as perceived by their RE and PSD teachers. Finally, this dissertation will provide suggestions to local teachers and the Religious Education framework on how to enhance the adolescents' existential quest in order to help them discover their identity in the light of the Christian message.