Society's impact on the social wellbeing of Gozitan persons with disability and challenging behaviour and their family

Central to this study is the social wellbeing of persons with disability and challenging behaviour and their family in the context of Gozo. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the impact, that a small society like Gozo, has on the social wellbeing of persons with disability and challenging behaviour, and their family. Connecting and interacting with people, being part of, and contributing within the community are all characteristics benefitting towards one’s social wellbeing. These aspects have been explored in response to the main research question: what is the impact of society on the social wellbeing of persons with disability and challenging behaviour and their family, in Gozo? A qualitative research approach has been applied based on the conceptual framework of the social model of disability. To ensure an in-depth exploration on the topic, the qualitative methodology taken up for this research, was a case study. One family unit with a member with disability and challenging behaviour was selected through a gatekeeper. Information was gathered by means of individual interviews and a focus group. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data generated. Findings of the study show that, compared to Malta, Gozo lacks provision of specialised services for persons with disability and challenging behaviour, including various other opportunities, putting them at a disadvantage to their Maltese counterparts. Furthermore, Gozitan persons with disability and challenging behaviour and their family face various attitudinal barriers, resulting in social exclusion, which eventually negatively impacts their social wellbeing. In view of the study findings, it is highly recommended that, Gozitan persons with disability are included and involved in the planning, drafting and implementation of policies, both disability-related and mainstream ones. Furthermore, findings encourage more research related to disability issues in Gozo, in order to bridge the gap within the existing literature.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Malta

Year dc:date.issued

2023

• People with disabilities -- Malta -- Gozo
• Sociology of disability -- Malta -- Gozo
• People with mental disabilities -- Behavior modification -- Malta -- Gozo
• People with disabilities -- Family relationships
• Well-being -- Malta -- Gozo

Statement dc:rights

• info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccess

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119006

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.um.edu.mt:123456789/119006