PurposeWe discuss how attachment theory can help leaders maintain security in their relationships with followers during crisis, using the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic as an example. We describe how the COVID-19 pandemic has undermined the typical ways leaders may have fostered secure relationships with their followers. Guided by Lewin's action research paradigm, we integrate research on attachment theory with recent research on the COVID-19 pandemic to present leader interventions to maintain attachment security in spite of the disruption caused by COVID-19. We then discuss how these propositions can guide leader interventions in other types of crisis.Design/methodology/approachAttachment theory has received considerable attention in recent years from management and leadership scholars. We extend this line of inquiry by drawing parallels between the strange situation, a now classic paradigm for researching infant–caregiver attachment systems, to understand attachment security in leader–follower relationships during times of crisis.FindingsWe find that the crises such as COVID-19 present a challenge to attachment security in leader–follower relationships. We also find that research on adult attachment in response to crises and traumatic events is relevant to understanding how leaders can foster positive relations with followers during times of crisis when physical proximity is not possible.Originality/valueWe apply attachment theory and leadership research to present a framework for leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, many of our theoretical assertions and related interventions could be applied to other unprecedented crises that disrupt leader–follower relationships. Hence, our paper offers a unique lens that is centered on the attachment security within the leader–follower relationship during crisis.
We explored mental health care experiences of trans service members and veterans (TSMVs) through a mixed‐methods, convergent parallel design. Quantitative survey data from 50 TSMVs were analyzed using paired‐samples t tests to identify differences in perceived stigma and barriers to care in accessing services from nonmilitary versus military‐affiliated or Veteran's Health Administration providers (MVAPs). We conducted semistructured interviews with 10 participants, exploring their lived experiences in accessing mental health care from both nonmilitary providers and MVAPs. Integrated mixed‐methods results indicate TSMVs are more concerned about anti‐trans stigma when accessing care from MVAPs, whereas logistical concerns inform access to nonmilitary providers. Key themes shaping participants' mental health care experiences were (a) access to trans competent care, (b) fear/fear of consequences, (c) therapeutic relationship, (d) transition‐related factors, and (e) military systems and culture. Implications for training and practice are discussed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.