/library/oar/handle/123456789/4249 2026-11-07T08:48:40Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/4956 Title: The bliss of having a joint : exploring the career path of recreational Marijuana users in Malta : a study among emerging adults Abstract: Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the world. Many researchers argue that marijuana can be considered recreational, as long as there is control over the use, and is used in specific circumstances and environments, (Parker 2005). However, on the other hand there are researchers who suggest that marijuana is a harmful drug and can lead to problematic use as well as to other health problems, (DuPoint, 1997). This research seeks to examine the differences between recreational use and problematic use according to users, the motivations and contingencies for recreational use and of most importance the drug using career path of current recreational users. This research uses the sequential transformative strategy, it has two distinct data collection phases, it uses the quantitative and the qualitative research techniques. The first phase comprises the quantitative research aspect, were participants where asked to undergo a screener, The Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test – Revised, (Adamson, et, al., 2010). This screener enabled the researcher to classify respondents as recreational users. Nine interviews were held with randomly selected participants who participated in the said screener and also self-identified as recreational users. The qualitative research maps the contingencies associated with the marijuana using career path and identifies contingencies for onset, escalation, commitment and desistance. The qualitative interviews concluded that a main contingency to engage in recreational marijuana use and progress through the drug using career path was relaxation. Participants noted that there were various contingencies as to how their use initiated, escalated, deescalated, desisted for some time and then started again. Participants noted that when they noticed that their use was getting problematic, they desisted from their use. They either cut down or stopped their use in order to regain control. It was also noted that participants made conscience decisions regarding their consumption and also ensured that their consumption did not interfere with their day to day life. Therefore, the young people that participated in this research made subjective decisions and maintained self control over their marijuana use. Description: M.YOUTH&COMM.STUD. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/4955 Title: The role of youth work service in addressing young people’s disengagement from education : a school managerial perspective Abstract: In 2007, the Maltese Directorate for Educational Services (DES) introduced a number of initiatives to support disengaged students. Amongst them, Learning Support Zones (LSZ) were set up under the auspices of the Directorate for Student Services (DSS). LSZ are run by professional people to oversee the holistic well-being of students rather than merely focusing on academic achievement. The presence of new professionals, coming from various disciplinary fields, has given rise to a new perspective other than the teaching profession within the school. School staff is constantly reminded that misbehaving students are troubled students. Furthermore, awareness is being fostered with an endeavour to recognise subtle signs of disengagement; the earlier it is detected and followed by appropriate support and understanding, the more likely it is to empower and support the young person through difficulties and problems encountered. Together with other professionals, youth workers are presently working in the field in supporting disengaged students at school to enhance their engagement and contribute towards the holistic well-being of the young person. This study examines the role of the youth worker in engaging disengaged students in Maltese secondary schools from the perspective of twelve senior managers in different schools. The interpretive phenomenological analysis that has been carried out suggests that while SMTs value the role of the youth work profession in supporting disengaged students in their schools, they pointed out various barriers encountered during youth work practice. SMTs put forward their own ideas on how to improve and support the profession in schools. Description: M.YOUTH&COMM.STUD. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/4954 Title: Schooling and delinquency : the impact of schooling on delinquent behaviour Abstract: This study explored the school experiences of young adults that have a history of delinquent behaviour. This was done by documenting the school experiences of young adults who at the time of the study were under a probation order. This was done by means of a biographic narrative approach. The opinion of educators about what factors might cause a link between schooling and delinquent behaviour was also investigated in the study. More specifically, the study explored how systemic factors (such as curriculum, authority and streaming) and interactional factors (such as relationships with teachers, school officials and other students) within the educational system contributed towards the development of delinquent behaviour, if at all, within and outside the school premises. The participants interviewed in this qualitative study were five young probationers and seven educators. The findings reveal inter alia that relationships with teachers and other professionals in the school and systemic factors, such as the relevance of the curriculum to students’ expectations and aspirations, are linked with the perpetration of delinquent behaviour in schools and elsewhere. Furthermore, the implications of these findings in terms of policy, research and youth work practice in the Maltese context are then discussed. Description: M.YOUTH&COMM.STUD. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/4953 Title: Young people and outdoor adventure activities Abstract: Adventure activities such as abseiling and zip lines push the participants outside their comfort zone. These can be defined as a “…direct, active and engaging learning experiences that involve the whole person and have real consequences” (Prouty, Panicucci and Collinson, 2007. p.12). Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the meanings connected to outdoor adventure activities within Maltese youth groups and whether they take part in these activities or not. This study was carried out using the qualitative approach through interviews and a focus group and the findings show that adventure activities such as abseiling and zip line are rarely invested-in due to a number of reasons varying from insurance, expenses and the fear that a member of the group gets hurt. However, this study also exposed a subtle situation where the participants are reluctant to exit from their comfort zone to organise an adventure activity. Young People and Outdoor Adventure Activities is worked around the stretch – zone experience paradigm. This paradigm (Prouty et al, 2007. p.39) emerged “with an understanding of the ideas of Dewey, Duckworth and Kolb”. Description: B.A.YOUTH&COMM.STUD. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z