The current study investigates the impact of emotional support on unit cohesion in military units that include LGBT personnel. Research has found a strong correlation between emotional support and team performance across different domains, including business, sports, and military settings. In addition, emotional support is especially important for minority groups such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) soldiers who may feel excluded from mainstream social norms. This study hypothesizes that LGBT soldiers in military units receive less emotional support than their heterosexual peers and experience lower levels of unit cohesion as a result. The present research examines this hypothesis using a mixed methods approach involving survey data from active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and qualitative interviews with former military members.
Survey Data
The survey includes measures of demographic characteristics, unit cohesion, and emotional support. Unit cohesion was assessed using three items adapted from the Armed Forces Communitarianism Scale (AFCS), including "I am proud to be part of my unit," "My unit takes care of its own," and "My unit looks out for one another." Emotional support was measured by seven items adapted from the Job Descriptive Index (JDI), including "People at work encourage me to do my best" and "Others help me when I need it." Responses were collected on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("strongly disagree") to 5 ("strongly agree").
Qualitative Interviews
In addition to quantitative data, the study included open-ended questions about participants' experiences of emotional support within their units. Participants were asked to describe how their unit provided them with emotional support, what types of support they received, and whether they felt they had access to adequate support. Transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to identify patterns and themes.
Findings
Analysis of the survey data revealed that LGBT soldiers reported significantly lower levels of emotional support compared to heterosexual soldiers in all areas except for "encouragement to do one's best" (M 4.07 vs. M 3.98). Regression analysis showed that emotional support accounted for significant variance in unit cohesion after controlling for other variables.
Qualitative interviews indicated that LGBT soldiers did not always perceive emotional support as positive or helpful.
Some soldiers described receiving support for their sexual orientation but feeling judged for other aspects of their identity, such as race or gender expression. Others noted that support was often limited to individual members rather than the group as a whole.
The findings suggest that emotional support is an important factor influencing unit cohesion among military units that include LGBT personnel. While formal programs aimed at providing support may be effective, informal networks of trust and mutual aid are also crucial. Leaders should strive to create inclusive environments where all soldiers feel supported and valued, regardless of their identity. Future research should investigate the specific needs and challenges facing LGBT soldiers within military contexts.
What is the relationship between emotional support and unit cohesion in contexts involving LGBT personnel?
In contexts involving LGBT personnel, emotional support can be an important factor in promoting unit cohesion among team members. Research has shown that when individuals feel supported and accepted by their colleagues, they are more likely to develop strong bonds of trust and mutual respect, which can lead to better communication and collaboration within the group. This can have positive implications for overall performance, as well as morale and job satisfaction.