A qualitative study : a Maltese male perspective on revealing their emotions

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore a Maltese male perspective on revealing their emotions to those around them and what variables play a role in influencing such emotional expression. The sample consisted of four participants who were young, male, working adults. Data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews which were audio recorded. All data was then analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results indicated that the majority of these participants viewed emotional expression positively and perceived themselves as very open to those they trusted. Participants reported that emotional expression with their parents was mainly directed towards the mother and openness in intimate relationships was perceived as essential. On the whole the participants perceived three aspects of their life to have influenced their current perspectives on emotional expression; the Maltese culture, their family, and their friends. Although the Maltese culture was perceived to promote masculine stereotypes, these stereotypes were also perceived to be gradually changing in modern society and will eventually be something of the past. A limitation of this study was that I only got a glance of the Maltese male's perception on emotional expression and also that there is no existing local literature on the subject. I would recommend that more research is conducted on this topic, be it either qualitative or quantitative in nature.