/library/oar/handle/123456789/14266 Thu, 25 Dec 2025 13:36:22 GMT 2025-12-25T13:36:22Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/15493 Title: A study examining the relationship between 'executive functioning' and obesity in students Abstract: Although still at its infancy, a growing body of research is investigating the relationship between Executive Functioning (EF) and Body Mass Index (BMI). The present study explored the association between obesity and executive functioning amongst University of Malta students. Responses were gathered from different University faculties and the sample comprised 141 undergraduate students composed mainly of females (n = 102) with a mean age of M =21.80. A quantitative methodology was employed and the collection of data was done via a questionnaire that was completed online. A bivariate correlational design revealed that no association exists between BMI and the DEX score. Nevertheless, the cognitive subcomponent of the DEX was found to be associated with elevated BMI. The findings of this study lend support to the literature emphasising the influence of BMI on cognition. Description: B.PSY.(HONS) Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/15493 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/14741 Title: Social media, self-esteem and body image : perceptions and experiences of female young adults Abstract: This research investigates the perceived influence of social media on self-esteem and body image. A qualitative approach was adopted to conduct this study through semi-structured interviews with eight female participants ages 18-25. Susan Bordo’s (1993) notions on body image formed part of the theoretical framework of the study. All the participants were aware of the damage social media can cause and they all said that it can be the cause or a trigger factor to some eating disorders. They all assumed body image can be altered in a negative way, due to the constant images portrayed of thin models on social media. Self-esteem on the other hand was not always mentioned as being affected negatively, while using social media. Considerable importance was given to the amount of ‘likes’ they get on pictures they post online. The study recommends that the images on social media need to engage with more realistic portrayals of beauty. Less photo shop and more use of ‘real bodies’ was mentioned especially by big companies that leave impacts on its viewers. It is recommended that unconditional positive regard for oneself should be thought from a young age to make individuals less susceptible to the pressures posed by social media. Description: B.PSY.(HONS) Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/14741 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/14739 Title: Attitudes towards prisoners amongst University of Malta students Abstract: According to Allport’s (1935) definition, attitudes influence one’s behaviour towards the attitude object which in the case of this study, is the prisoner. This research aims to explore whether the previously documented negative attitudes towards prisoners, prevail amongst University students using Melvin et al.’s (1985) Attitude towards Prisoners scale. Statistical tests were used to measure attitudes and to explore how these vary in relation to a number of variables namely: age, gender, locality, faculty and contact with prisoners. The results show that the general attitude of University students towards prisoners is a positive one and also indicate the significant effect of the locality variable. This suggests that students may not fall for the stereotypes and stigma surrounding prisoners and are more likely to participate in initiatives aimed at making prisoners’ rehabilitation and eventual reintegration more successful. Description: B.PSY.(HONS) Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/14739 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/14733 Title: The relationship between executive functioning and head injury in rugby players Abstract: The current literature shows that executive functioning is negatively affected by head injuries such as concussions. The main aim of this study was to (1) investigate the relationship between executive functioning and head injury in rugby players, with a secondary aim of (2) investigating whether the time playing rugby has an effect on head injuries sustained. To date no research has been conducted on this matter on local rugby in Malta. Executive functioning deficits were tested for using the DEX Questionnaire which is part of the Behavioural Assessment for Dysexecutive Syndrome (Wilson, Evans, Emslie, Alderman & Burgess, 1998). The results showed a significant correlation between number of head injuries and DEX Total Score, between number of head injuries and time playing rugby. A more detailed analysis of the three domains tested for in the DEX Questionnaire which are behaviour, cognition and emotion was carried out. Additionally, this study showed there was a significant correlation between number of head injuries and DEX Behaviour Total Score and between number of head injuries and DEX Cognition Total Score. These results were all supported by current literature. Description: B.PSY.(HONS) Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/14733 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z