Prof. Chris Anthony presents Fulbright-funded research in Malta

Christopher Anthony, Ph.D along with other two colleagues who presented in a conference in Malta.

Christopher Anthony, Ph.D., presented his findings on the social emotional wellbeing and academic learning skills of Maltese children to the National Conference on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Academic Learning of Students (SEWAL) in Malta.

Last year, Chris Anthony, Ph.D., was half a world away from UF but still working to find solutions to help children thrive. Anthony was in Malta researching students' social emotional well-being in Malta. This research project was funded by the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. One of the main goals of this program is to increase mutual understanding and support friendly and peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. While conducting his research, Anthony lived in Malta, immersing himself in the culture.

“I can think of nothing more important for longstanding peace than nurturing the wellbeing of the next generation of citizens and helping them understand their responsibilities to their families and communities,” said Anthony, associate professor of school psychology.

Anthony’s research consisted of him and his team conducting a national survey of the social emotional wellbeing and academic learning skills of Maltese children. The team surveyed children (preschool to high school), teachers and parents with translated assessments.

Christopher Anthony, Ph.D., presenting his findings on the social emotional wellbeing and academic learning skills of Maltese children to the National Conference on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Academic Learning of Students (SEWAL) in Malta.

Anthony was able to present the team's findings at the National Conference on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Academic Learning of Students (SEWAL) in Malta. Overall, the survey found that Maltese children have clear strengths that could serve as the foundation for future policy. The team found the children to have well-developed social skills and strong academic learning skills. This was especially evident in their critical thinking and in classroom interpersonal skills.

The team also identified areas that needed attention. Two that stood out were motivation and encouragement. The most notable thing that Anthony’s team found was that nearly half of the children who were surveyed reported that they had moderate or high stress levels. These findings highlight the importance of strong support of communities and families with explicit training in stress management. This will help to ensure that stress can be an opportunity for growth rather than a cause of later issues.

With these areas identified, Anthony is “very optimistic and hopeful that through continued collaboration, these goals can be achieved to support the resilience and well-being of kids throughout Malta.”

Although there are many differences between Malta and the U.S., they are facing many of the same challenges. Anthony noted, “these similar needs should foster continued collaboration to promote resilience in the United States, Malta, and across the world.”