Stress on the Maltese family : a socio-legal study of cases appearing before the Maltese Family Court between 1980 and 1989

Abstract

The aim of the present study was : (i) to determine the profile of the Maltese family in conflict; (ii) to examine which factors contribute to conflict and the possible disintegration of the Maltese family and to determine whether such factors vary according to age and other circumstances. (iii) to establish whether the results obtained in the 1984 Caritas survey with regards to stress are actually reflected in reality and whether in fact that survey had addressed the most relevant issues. Other side issues such as the factor of secularization and the tendency to seek help prior to resorting to litigation were also looked into, however the scope and financial resources of this study could not permit a detailed investigation of these factors.