ABSTRACT of Thesis by
Sultana Victoria

This dissertation attempts to explore Gozitan adolescents' attitude towards sexuality and peer relationships. It aims to propose ways in which such information could be used by social workers and other professionals in their work with young people.

This study provides a review of current researchers and theorists who wrote about the main concepts of peer relationships and sexuality in adolescence. Two different research methods were utilised to explore the attitudes adolescents have towards sexuality and peer relationships. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 207 boys and girls attending Form 2 and Form 4 classes. A session was then carried out to 92 boys and girls from the same sample in order to explore in more depth the Gozitan adolescents' perspectives of the social worker and their attitude towards sexuality and peer relationships.

The need for a team composed of social workers, psychologists, guidance teachers, and parents who work towards educating young people and their parents about peer relationships and sexuality emerged from this study. It results that adolescents need to be more educated about the subjects of peer relationships and sexuality.

" A full version of the thesis may be viewed at the Education Division Resource Centre. Contact tel. No: 25982410 / 25982316"