Examining the social impact of social housing

The impact of social housing in our Society needs to be constantly reviewed and analysed. Considering the massive amount of resources we put into the system, the State deserves a return on its investment in terms of quality of life and social wellbeing of the people using those services. It is useless investing so much money in that area and people remain at the bottom of the heap struggling to make ends meet, ostracised by the community and never managing to move from German sociologist Ferdinand Tönnies’ renowned concept, Gesellschaft to Gemeinschaft. This study which was mainly a desk top research commissioned by the Housing Authority attempted to bring to the fore the main challenges we have in this sector. This study was another loop whereby the Faculty in collaboration with another of our stakeholders engages in this field of study by zooming into a particular phenomenon and present a number of proposals the commissioning agency can act upon.peer-reviewe

A Population-Based Study of Eating Disorders in Young Persons in Malta: Prevalence in Males Nearly Equals that in Females

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of eating disorders and attitudes to food and eating for youths between 10 and 16 years of age, in order to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders in young people through empirical research in a previously unexamined area. Methods: The tool selected for this population-based study was the ChEAT, i.e. the Children’s Eating Attitudes Test. A representative cohort of 400, randomly sampled, young people aged 10-16, were asked all 26 questions of the ChEAT via telephone, while their parents/guardians were asked socio-demographic questions, Results: 5.5% (2.25% M, 3.25% F) of the cohort scored at or above the cut-off of 20, indicating the presence of an eating disorder. No significant associations were found between disordered eating and socio-demographic data. Conclusions: Findings indicate that males are catching up to females in eating disorder diagnoses. A male slightly higher mean ChEAT ≥20 could denote that disordered eating could be more acute for young men who are between 10 to 16 years old than it is for young women aged 10 to 16. The lack of significant association between the disordered eating and socio-demographic data could be a factor of the ages under examination in this study, and possibly these associations could arise at later ages

Armed Forces of Malta - Faculty for Social Wellbeing partnership for social inclusion : evaluation report

During these last years, the Faculty for Social Wellbeing has been working with the AFM to try and find ways to share knowledge on very complex and interesting matters around migration, radicalisation and integration. This project in collaboration with the AFM has focused on a number of areas, firstly by providing conversation between the Faculty and AFM specialised services, secondly by offering a short course to soldiers and also officials within the army and finally by using these experiences to list out what we think are the challenges being faced by the AFM in these areas. The openness of the AFM, their willingness to engage in this conversation has proved to be crucial, productive and engaging. We look forward to keeping this collaboration going. [excerpt]peer-reviewe

A research report produced by the faculty for social wellbeing commissioned by the office of the commissioner for voluntary organisations

Volunteering is defined in the literature by certain common aspects: It is an activity which is not obligatory; it is done so that other people may benefit, such as for society or to help an organisation; it does not offer payment; and it typically occurs in contexts which are organised (Dingle, 2001; Govaart et al., 2001). The term ‘voluntary sector’ typically refers to those organisations which have a primary purpose of creating social impact, as opposed to producing profits. Other terms referring to the voluntary sector include ‘civil society’, ‘the not-for-profit sector’, ‘the third sector’, ‘non-profit organisations’ (NPOs), amongst others. Organisations within the voluntary secretary function independently from local or national government, whilst being distinct from the private sector (Reach Volunteering, 2017). Organisations across the world which form part of the voluntary sector are expanding in “number, size and prominence” (Connolly et al., 2013, as cited in Ortega-Rodríguez et al., 2020, p. 1). This growth has been attributed to a growth in social problems which are linked to political, economic, or religious (Austin, 2000). Voluntary organisations play an important role due to their social mission which aims to provide assistance when the state cannot meet demand (Ortega-Rodríguez et al., 2020). Studies which have attempted to quantify the number of people who volunteer have, however, found difficulties in adequately defining what constitutes volunteering (Angermann & Sittermann, 2010). This has been due to a lack of consensus about whether both formal and informal volunteering should be considered as volunteering, or if this only relates to formal volunteering. Moreover, there has been a question about whether individuals are considered to be volunteers by virtue of holding membership with an organisation, as opposed to individuals who assume concrete activities within an organisation (Angermann & Sittermann, 2010).peer-reviewe

Eating disorders amongst young persons in Malta : a nationally representative study of the prevalence and effect of eating disorders among young persons in Malta

At any point in time several million people across the globe are affected by eating disorders. Eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder affect women more than men, with young female adolescents being the most at-risk group. However, there is growing awareness that this is not solely a young women’s issue, as men and older women are increasingly being diagnosed with eating disorders. These disorders devastate lives and have a high mortality rate. Their sociological and public health impacts make them major public health concerns. The duration and course of an eating disorder can be anywhere from a few years to around 15 years, with the detrimental effects on a sufferers’ life resulting in very real costs to person in terms of education, employment productivity and future security. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines eating disorders (EDs) as abnormal eating habits that can threaten health or even life. Eating disorders cause disruptions to normal perceptions and attitudes to food whereby, depending on the disorder, the sufferer exerts intense control, typical with anorexia nervosa, or loses control over their food intake, such as with binge eating disorder or bulimia. The 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (DSM-5, 2013), lists six main specific eating disorders and two other categories - OSFED (other specified feeding and eating disorders) and UFED (unspecified feeding and eating disorders), which are also clinical diagnoses. The most commonly recognised and prevalent of these disorders are Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Another eating disorder, that is becoming increasingly prevalent and disturbing, in that it affects even the very young, is Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) - previously referred to as Selective Eating Disorder (SED). Anorexia Nervosa (AN), or simply, Anorexia, is characterised by an extreme fear of gaining weight, an abnormally low body weight and a distorted perception of weight. Persons suffering from anorexia have a strong wish to control their weight and shape and use extreme efforts, including starvation, to achieve this objective. The pursuit of the anorexic ideal has a significant effect on the life of sufferers, yet leaves them dissatisfied. No matter how much weight is lost, sufferers remain fearful of weight gain and experience a constant desire to lose more weight. This is because anorexia is not about weight or food. It is a dangerous and unhealth psychological way to exert control over emotional or psychological problems. Anorexia, Despite being the rarest of the eating disorders, anorexia is perhaps the most renowned and has the highest mortality risk of all the Eds, and the lowest recovery outcomes. Bulimia Nervosa (BN), or Bulimia as it is usually referred to, is characterised by frequent and uncontrollable episodes of overeating or binges, habitually consisting of the consumption of thousands of calories in a single sitting, accompanied by extreme efforts to avoid gaining weight. These behaviours set up a vicious cycle that wreaks havoc on body and mind, and tend to be accompanied by extreme secrecy and feelings of shame. Binge Eating Disorder (BED), is compulsive eating without purging behaviours. It is characterized by recurring episodes of excessive food consumption over a short period of time, often to the point of discomfort. As a result, sufferers are highly likely to be overweight or obese. This loss of control over food intake is accompanied by feelings of shame and guilt. Typically binge eaters are dissatisfied with their body shape, but this is not accompanied by body image distortion as with AN or BN. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), is a type of extreme picky eating or food phobia that is characterised by a restriction or avoidance of certain foods that sufferers find themselves unable to eat - to the extent that sufferers cannot meet their nutritional needs through food intake alone. Often whole food groups will be excluded, such as meat or green vegetables, which, besides causing clinical nutritional deficiencies to persons suffering from this condition, also interferes significantly with the sufferers’ life. Eating disorders arise for complex reasons and usually centre around a desire to control food intake, whereby, what starts as an attempt to lose weight or eat healthily, can spiral out of control. There is not usually one, single, cause for an eating disorder, and much less expert agreement as to what causes EDs. Rather there may be various causes at the root of a disorder. Aside from attempts to diet, family dynamics and genetic factors are shown to have significant influence on the predisposition to eating disorders. A family history of eating or mental health disorders, as well as exceedingly high family expectations, particularly in the case of female suffers, are indicated as possible causes. Psychological and emotional factors such as anxiety, depression, stress and low self-esteem, as well as abuse and childhood trauma, can also trigger an eating disorder. Other factors thought to be significant risk stimuli for eating disorders are self-esteem and body dissatisfaction issues linked to impossible ideals of female beauty - and nowadays even male ideals - on traditional and social media. The epidemiology of eating disorders provides information about trends in frequency and occurrence of eating disorders over time. Despite challenges in data collection, the epidemiological study of EDs remains extremely important in providing a general picture of how these disorders develop and progress. Epidemiological studies show that the most studied cohort is 15-19-year old females, and that eating disorders are on the increase in non- Western countries, as well as being on the rise among men and older women. Prevalence data shows that lifetime prevalence for a full threshold ED is 2.9% for females and 0.1% for males. For sub threshold EDs, lifetime prevalence figures are 2.2% for females and 0.7% for males (Nagl et al., 2016). Persons afflicted with eating disorders suffer a number of adverse medical and psychological problems. Eating disorders put the body under great strain and the medical impact of an eating disorder touches every organ system in the body (Jahraus, 2018). Eating disorders have various physical effects, such as fatigue, they disrupt natural growth, have detrimental effects on the circulation and nervous system, can cause cardiac and renal difficulties and chronic pain. Although some of these effects can be reversed once detrimental feeding behaviours are stopped, some health consequences can be lasting. The negative outcomes are even more severe for children and adolescents. As well as impacting health, eating disorders also cause significant disturbance to an individual’s social and psychological wellbeing. Eating disorders, particularly Anorexia and Bulimia, have the highest mortality rate of all the psychological illnesses. Suicide attempts are common among patients with EDs, particularly sufferers of Anorexia. Given the several adverse consequences of EDs on every area of a patients’ life, and the diminished quality of life that sufferers lead, identifying and treating EDs is crucial. The earlier the patient is diagnosed and treatment started, the better the outcome. Awareness of EDs by primary care professionals and specialists is extremely important. The consensus nowadays is that best treatment practice is a multidisciplinary and tailored approach that will treat the physical and medical aspects of the disorder, as well as psychological factors and other attributes.peer-reviewe

Faculty for Social Wellbeing

This study is almost an exact replica of the one the Faculty did in 2019 when Prof. Marilyn Clark, Jamie Bonnici and myself, were the authors. The study had surfaced 'loneliness' as a major social issue that affects our communities on so many levels (emotional, social and mental). The same three researchers were involved once again for the 2022 study (Annabel Cuff was added to the team). I am relatively satisfied that through the study of 2019 the Faculty placed this issue on the national agenda and now the general population, policy makers, NGOs, social operators, political parties and politicians are speaking about it - but as yet not much is being done in terms of direct policy actions. Another positive is that this study has steered the Faculty to research other areas like 'solitary conferment' and 'deinstitutionalisation', amongst other, which have also drawn the necessary attention and we managed to place even these issues on the social agenda. Our plan was always to have this loneliness survey taking place every three years so that we can identify any trends and how our social policy was responding (this exercise will be done in the coming weeks). In the meantime, the data presented in this document (more to be revealed soon) is a clear indicator that we have a serious problem to contend with and we urgently need tangible actions to respond to this growing and complex phenomenon.peer-reviewe

Star kids - reaching out : improving the life chances of vulnerable children

This was the first project the Faculty embarked on once I was elected Dean. The challenges that children, who not out of their own choice had to face, because life dealt them a bad hand, has always been at the centre of our work at the Faculty. Most of our scholarship, professional training and social engagement, at the end of the day lead to ensuring that this segment of our population live a much-deserved quality of life. This project is another loop in addressing this matter and how using technology could fill in the gaps that children experience in their life as they ended up in vulnerable situations. This study emphasises the potential that technology has in levelling out the disadvantages. We hope that as a Faculty this project can move on to the next level and provide a much needed training programme to make sure that the changes that have been localised in our study can have practical application. The team who have worked in this project, academics, administrators and researchers have provide us with an immensely important tool that will serve to help these children.peer-reviewe

Factors affecting ICT education among vulnerable minors in Malta : findings of the star kids research project

This paper identifies and discusses needs and gaps among minors aged 5-17 years who, at the time of the study, resided in out-of-home care and/or made use of community-based welfare services. The discussion is informed by mixed-methods study research carried out in 2018 as part of the project ‘Star Kids – Reaching Out: Improving the Life Chances of Vulnerable Children’. Star Kids’ objectives included developing and delivering a nationally accredited ICT training course for vulnerable minors; in a context where digitization is often described as ubiquitous, yet its experience is complex and not universal. In this paper, data analysed include responses to a questionnaire administered to minors; and data from focus groups with minors, their parents/guardians, and professionals working with the cohort under study. The study found high ICT usage, albeit with gender-based and age-based differences. Gaming, streaming and downloading prevailed among boys and 5–11-year-olds; use of social media prevailed among girls. Most minors considered themselves as self-learnt ICT users; yet the study flagged the need for more support for minors with low socio-economic backgrounds. The study identified shortcomings in the infrastructure available. Recommendations include investment in state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure in residential homes and community centres; further research to assess impacts of COVID-19 on this study’s findings; policy development that steers ICT education towards participatory and empowered involvement of parents /guardians; and that dwells on participants’ existing ICT knowledge and skills.peer-reviewe

Protecting our children exploring and preventing child abuse

Probably this will sound very much a cliché, but children do deserve to live the best quality of life. A society, I believe, is measured by our ability as a community to take care of this population, to provide for them, to give them agency and space to grow, to develop their critical skills, so that at the end of the day they have a better understanding of the World. Unfortunately, some or many children, in this journey of life, hit a bump. Some bumps are critical experiences that if society does not provide enough support and services that compliment that pain will lead to a slippery slope. This study ably led by Dr Roberta Attard and the team of Research Support Officers, namely Graziella Vella, Olga Formosa, Annabel Cuff provides us with a dire reality that our society is caught in. The pain that we seem to inflict on children at times is unthinkable and irrational, whether done consciously or not. We hope that this project funded by the Bank of Valletta will help us gather a clearer understanding of what is happening, and this will provide an opportunity for policy makers to act accordingly. The Faculty for Social Wellbeing feels privileged to have taken in on its shoulders to lead this important research.peer-reviewe

The environment’s contribution for neighbourhood liveability and wellbeing in the Maltese islands

The Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) defines the environment as including the natural and man-made elements and conditions of the air, water, land, soil and sea, layers of the atmosphere, biodiversity and landscape (Government of Malta, 2019). In the process of protecting our environment, and as part of its remit, the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA), drafted the National Strategy for the Environment (NSE). The NSE aims to provide a strategic policy for Malta’s environment until 2050 by protecting the environment, and improving our quality of life, based on the recognition that the environment is essential for the existence of society itself, whilst creating economic activity to ensure sustainability (ERA, 2022 and 2020). Underpinned by the concept of sustainability, the NSE posits that the environmental, social and economic dimensions are considered in tandem, in the recognition of the value that each contributes to the balance and healthy maintenance of society and the wellbeing of people.peer-reviewe