/library/oar/handle/123456789/106943 2025-12-23T11:36:48Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/122373 Title: The impact of the gender corrective mechanism on women’s representation in Maltese politics Abstract: The importance of female representation in the Maltese Parliament reached a pinnacle point with the introduction of the gender corrective mechanism in Malta in 2021. Prior to the introduction of the mechanism, Malta had been a European country with one of the lowest female representation in Parliament. Literature shows the importance of women in parliament together with the significance and limitations of the gender corrective mechanisms. Moreover, literature depicts variations of the gender corrective mechanism applied in other European countries. To understand the impact the mechanism has had in the Maltese context, elite semi-structured interviews were employed. The interviews with 14 stakeholders were with female politicians elected with the mechanism, current male and female parliamentarians who did not benefit from the mechanism, minority party members, people who publically spoke about the mechanism, members of the consultative committee, individuals who contested the 2022 election but did not get elected and former members of parliament. One of the key main findings which stemmed from the interviews was a consensus on the lack of understanding on the mechanism resulting in a misconception of how it worked, which potentially reflected poorly on women’s potential in politics. Despite this, the findings indicate that women are still capable to be elected on their own steam in European Parliamentary elections. Furthermore, the findings also shed light on the dichotomy found between the aim of the mechanism to increase female representation yet excluding female minority members from the potential of benefitting from such a process. Despite reaching the aim of increasing the number of female members in the Maltese Parliament, the mechanism does not address the root problems contributing to the lack of female representation in all levels of public life. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/122288 Title: The lived experience of Maltese patients with cancer and their carers during the COVID-19 pandemic Abstract: This study is an in-depth view of the lived experiences of Maltese patients with cancer and their informal carers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research questions explored what the patients and carers went through as service users of local services for cancer. It also explored what being a patient and caring for someone with cancer was like during the March 2020 pandemic in Malta. The participants were of the age-range between 18 and 59 years, whereas there was no age limit for the persons who were identified as the carers by the patients themselves. Participants consisted of three patient-carer dyads. Each patient and their carer were interviewed separately, through the use of semi-structured interviews. These were audiotaped, transcribed and the resulting data was analysed through Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The study was approached from an insider-researcher perspective as the researcher is a social worker within the national hospital for patients with cancer. The research suggests that patients and their carers were (and still are) a vulnerable population, significantly impacted by the restrictions imposed during the pandemic. It also underscores the need to acknowledge the needs of the carers. While the experience of services differed, one common issue was the social distancing measures that affected the experience of service-users and their psycho-social well-being (uncertainty amongst others). This was a common factor in all participants. The study concludes with a description of which cancer care services assisted this cohort and recommendations and what can be improved in the event of future pandemics and the role of the oncological social worker. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/122287 Title: How non-users experience the trajectory of their drug-dependent sibling/s : a Gozitan perspective Abstract: Knowledge on how family members experience drug dependence has significantly advanced (Clarfield, 2017). However, little is known on siblings of drug dependent users (Howard et al., 2010); even less is known on Gozitan non-using siblings (NUS). Thus, this research breaks the silence revolving around Gozitan NUS since it aims to explore how they experience the trajectory of their drug dependent siblings (DDS). Five Gozitan NUS participated in an audiorecorded semi-structured interview. Data was analysed and interpreted using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Following data analysis, the themes and sub-themes that emerged were grouped into group experiential themes (GETs) and personal experiential themes (PETs), as guided by Smith et al. (2022). The research study focused on the dynamics of the NUS and DDS relationship. The results show a relationship characterised by care, understanding, trust and support, but also conflicts and struggles. Additionally, the NUS trajectory was explored: some NUS found out about their sibling’s drug dependency from other people; others found out for themselves. Throughout their trajectory, NUS had to adapt to different circumstances. All of this left an impact on them, even though their brothers are no longer dependent. The NUS’ family was also involved during the trajectory. NUS recounted how family resources were utilised to address their brothers’ drug dependency. This trajectory was portrayed by various feelings, mostly fear and worry. This research also gives attention to the Gozitan community. NUS shared their thoughts about their community and recommended several initiatives to heighten awareness and education. Lastly, the research study focuses on the recovery process. The challenges NUS faced when their brothers resisted support were explored. Additionally, reflections on their own therapeutic involvement were made. The findings determined that NUS were grateful towards the services offered by the treatment agency to address their brother’s drug dependency. This research study sheds light on NUS, an under- researched population, and encourages other researchers to explore other phenomena concerning them. Additionally, this study encourages treatment agencies to invest in and enhance preventive measures as this will have a long-term impact on society. Furthermore, anti-stigma campaigns are needed to raise awareness that drug dependency can be addressed. However, for all of this to be possible, treatment agencies need to be allocated more funding. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/122254 Title: Reflective practice and social work supervision in Malta Abstract: Through this explorative study, I endeavoured to provide a better understanding of how reflective practice and supervision in social work are perceived by local social work practitioners, what helps and hinders their use, and the impact on the social work profession. The relationship between reflective practice and supervision is explored and described as interlaced. Through a qualitative methodology, twelve (12) semi-structured interviews were held with social work practitioners where the perception and value of social work supervision and reflective practice, and the link between the two were explored. Another individual interview aided by the use of vignettes was carried out with a supervisor in social work. The emerging data was analysed thematically. Findings portray a divide in the local use of reflective practice and supervision in social work. This divide appears to result from differences in the realities of practice including the work environment, the supervisor, and practitioners’ openness during supervision. A lack of standardisation in the provision of supervision in social work appears to add to this experience of a divide. A reality where supervision and reflective practice go hand in hand in the profession of social work is outlined. The supervision experience is enhanced when reflection is used, both out of supervision and within. Team discussions and peer support are also identified as conducive to reflective supervision. Despite acknowledging its usefulness, participants noted how a fast-paced work environment and time limitations in practice hinder them from engaging in reflection and in supervision. Findings also suggest that consciously avoiding reflection in and out of supervision serves as a defence mechanism, especially when dealing with complex and traumatic cases. Reflective practice and supervision are also identified as elements in practice that encourage self-care and self-development both personally and professionally. Reflective practice and supervision together can create a space where social workers can understand what it is they do and link their practice to theory. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z