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Larsson, Gerry, ProfessorORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0001-8274-6065
Alternative names
Publications (10 of 621) Show all publications
Larsson, G., Nilsson, S. & Ohlsson, A. (2024). Daily uplifts, daily hassles, and coping in military veterans: post-deployment reintegration. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 65(1), 16-25
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Daily uplifts, daily hassles, and coping in military veterans: post-deployment reintegration
2024 (English)In: Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, ISSN 0036-5564, E-ISSN 1467-9450, Vol. 65, no 1, p. 16-25Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Our first aim was to explore the relationship between daily uplifts, daily hassles, and coping styles the first year after returning from international military missions and post-deployment work, family, and private reintegration in military veterans. Our second aim was to identify individual patterns regarding daily uplifts, daily hassles, and coping styles and to explore how they relate to the above-mentioned aspects of post-deployment reintegration. Questionnaire responses were received from 446 Swedish military veterans. Regression analyses showed that daily hassles and an escape-avoidance coping style made significant contributions in the predicted, negative direction to the amount of explained variance on reintegration indicator scales. A high level of perceived threat during the last mission also contributed to more negative integration. Using a person-centered approach, three unique profiles of response patterns were identified using a cluster analysis based on the uplift, hassles, and coping style scores. One profile was labeled “resilient and well-functioning”; its members showed favorable reintegration scores. A second profile was called “ambitious and struggling.” These individuals scored medium-high on the reintegration scales. The third profile consistently indicated the least favorable reintegration scores and was labeled “worried and avoidant.” The results confirm and deepen our existing knowledge.

Keywords
Daily uplifts, daily hassles, coping, post-deployment reintegration, veterans, individual profiles
National Category
Psychology
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11843 (URN)10.1111/sjop.12949 (DOI)
Available from: 2023-10-04 Created: 2023-10-04 Last updated: 2024-02-07Bibliographically approved
Larsson, G., Nilsson, S., Ohlsson, A. & Svensén, S. (2024). Military veterans' perception of quality of care following international operations. Cogent Psychology, 11(1)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Military veterans' perception of quality of care following international operations
2024 (English)In: Cogent Psychology, E-ISSN 2331-1908, Vol. 11, no 1Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

A high number of military veterans seek professional help at primary healthcare centers for mental health problems. The main aim of this study was to map veterans’ perception of the quality of the care they received when seeking such help after their last tour of duty. A secondary aim was to explore personality and mission-related characteristics of veterans who seek professional help for mental health problems after missions. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 2512 Swedish veterans (43.4% response rate). Among the responders, 210 individuals had sought help for mental health problems at primary healthcare centers. Their perception of the quality of the healthcare was measured using the Quality from the Patient’s Perspective (QPP) questionnaire, which is derived from a theoretical model. Comparisons between the military help seekers and an age and gender matched group of civilian outpatients showed that the military group perceived the information they had received, and the commitment, empathy and respect shown by the physicians, considerably more negatively than the civilian patients. Comparisons between the help-seeking veterans and those who had not sought help, showed that the help seekers were younger and scored significantly lower on emotional stability and higher on conscientiousness. In addition, they perceived the leadership of their immediate commander during the last tour of duty more negatively and they reported fewer daily uplifts and more daily hassles during the tour. It was concluded that a more extensive collaboration between the armed forces and the healthcare system is strongly recommended and that it is necessary to provide education to healthcare providers.

Keywords
Veterans, primary care, quality of caretheory-based assessment, quality from the patient’s perspective (QPP) questionnaire, age, gender, personality, military, leadership, stress
National Category
Other Social Sciences
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11745 (URN)10.1080/23311908.2024.2306770 (DOI)
Available from: 2023-08-17 Created: 2023-08-17 Last updated: 2024-02-07Bibliographically approved
Larsson, G., Höglund, M. & Henrysson, J. (2024). Test of brief scale designed to measure high-level managers' indirect leadership. Management Research Review, 47(1), 86-98
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Test of brief scale designed to measure high-level managers' indirect leadership
2024 (English)In: Management Research Review, ISSN 2040-8269, Vol. 47, no 1, p. 86-98Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose – The Indirect Leadership Questionnaire (ILQ) is constructed to measure important parts of a theoretical model of indirect leadership to be used in leadership courses for high-level managers. The ILQ consists of 15 model-derived items plus extra space that provides for free-text comments. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the ILQ, its predictive power and practical usefulness in indirect leadership courses and to evaluate the indirect leadership model in the light of new data.

Design/methodology/approach – The study sample consisted of 225 higher managers and 6–10 of their subordinates (total: 1,703). The latter were working at least two hierarchical levels below their higher manager. The managers made self-ratings, and the subordinates rated their respective higher manager using the ILQ.

Findings – Results showed that the ILQ has acceptable psychometric properties in terms of dimensionality(two model-compatible factors were obtained), reliability, discriminability and predictive power. Previousproblems with many “Don’t know” responses from subordinates working two or more hierarchical levels below their higher manager were considerably reduced. A qualitative analysis of the free-text responsess howed that indirect leadership behaviors that can be seen as inspirational influence and communication skills should be more emphasized in future indirect leadership courses. The leaders’ personality, task-related competence and performance-orientation were also highlighted more than in the indirect leadership model.

Research limitations/implications – It was concluded that the ILQ is a useful tool in indirect leadership courses but that it is too limited to be used as a basis for theory development of indirect leadership.

Originality/value – The ILQ has acceptable psychometric properties and provides an easy-to-use tool togain practical, usable knowledge of the “how’s” of indirect leadership

Keywords
Indirect leadership, Indirect leadership questionnaire (ILQ), Psychometric properties, Free-text responses, Leadership courses, High-level managers, Management in practice
National Category
Social Sciences Work Sciences
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11841 (URN)
Available from: 2023-10-04 Created: 2023-10-04 Last updated: 2023-12-28Bibliographically approved
Ohlsson, A., Nilsson, S. A. & Larsson, G. (2023). A qualitative study of military officers' perceptions of the adaptions couples make to meet the military organisation's implicit expectations. International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 31(5)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A qualitative study of military officers' perceptions of the adaptions couples make to meet the military organisation's implicit expectations
2023 (English)In: International Journal of Organizational Analysis, ISSN 1934-8835, E-ISSN 1758-8561, Vol. 31, no 5Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate military officers’ perception of the implicit expectations the organisation has for the officer’s private life and what implications it may have for gender norms at the organisation, family and individual levels. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach, using an inductive thematic analysis, was performed. The data was based on 20 interviews with military officers, including 18 men and 2 women. Findings Two main themes, with three subsequent subthemes, were identified. These themes were interpreted as being necessary for the military officer to be able to manage organisational demands. The first included the implicit expectations the organisation had for the family. The three subthemes included the officer’s acceptance of frequent travel demands, adapting private life in accordance to organisational demands and picking a partner that matches the goals of the organisation. The second identified main theme included the military officer’s descriptions of implicit expectations the organisation held for the officer’s partner. Three subthemes were identified, including the partner’s need to be independent and psychologically strong, to take the main responsibility for managing family life and to engage in emotion work with the extended family. Originality/value The findings identify important perceptions that military officers have regarding the military’s expectations for their private life and the adaptive behaviors regularly performed. These adaptive behaviors allow the military officer to be able to engage in work that sustains the organisation.

Keywords
organisational culture, military, organisation development, gender norms, work/private life balance
National Category
Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-10585 (URN)10.1108/IJOA-09-2021-2940 (DOI)000736609000001 ()
Available from: 2022-01-10 Created: 2022-01-10 Last updated: 2023-12-28Bibliographically approved
Stensvehagen, M. T., Bronken, B. A., Lien, L. & Larsson, G. (2023). Association of daily hassles, daily uplifts, coping styles and stress‐related symptoms among women exposed to sexual abuse: A cross‐sectional study. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 37(1), 117-130
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Association of daily hassles, daily uplifts, coping styles and stress‐related symptoms among women exposed to sexual abuse: A cross‐sectional study
2023 (English)In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 37, no 1, p. 117-130Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: Women who experience physical or sexual violence report poor self-perceived health. Knowledge of daily hassles, daily uplifts and coping styles, as well as how these factors can affect health and well-being among survivors of sexual abuse, is important for healthcare professionals to understand and target their needs.

Aim: The aim of the current study was to explore the association of daily hassles, daily uplifts, coping strategies and stress-related symptoms among female survivors of sexual abuse.

Methods: A group of women (n = 57), exposed to sexual abuse, were recruited from nine support centres in Norway. Participants completed a questionnaire that addressed demographics, socioeconomic conditions, trauma history, daily hassles, daily uplifts, coping styles and stress-related symptoms. Two groups of participants were compared: one group that had above-median scores on uplifts and adaptive coping styles and one group that had above-median scores on daily hassles and maladaptive coping styles.

Results: Results indicate that women who experienced more daily hassles and used maladaptive coping styles reported significantly more stress-related symptoms, and particularly emotional symptoms, than women who experienced more daily uplifts and used adaptive coping styles. There were few differences between the two groups related to socioeconomic conditions and trauma history.

Conclusion: The results indicate that women in both groups struggle with stress-related physical, emotional, cognitive and target group-specific symptoms. However, high incidence of daily hassles and the use of maladaptive coping styles were associated with an increase in stress-related symptoms. Novell's findings indicate that despite severe traumatic experiences, adaptive coping styles and favourable perceptions of stress in everyday life were associated with a lower frequency of stress-related symptoms. It may therefore be helpful to focus on altering maladaptive coping styles to reduce stress-related symptoms among sexual abuse survivors.

Keywords
coping styles, cross-sectional, daily hassles, daily uplift, ssexual abuse, stress-related symptoms, women
National Category
Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11015 (URN)10.1111/scs.13107 (DOI)000826761000001 ()35851719 (PubMedID)
Available from: 2022-08-01 Created: 2022-08-01 Last updated: 2023-11-17Bibliographically approved
Bencker, A., Larsson, G., Fors Brandebo, M., Johnson, U. & Ivarsson, A. (2023). High-level military and sport leaders' everyday challanges and psychological skills: A cross-contextual repeated measures study. Military Psychology
Open this publication in new window or tab >>High-level military and sport leaders' everyday challanges and psychological skills: A cross-contextual repeated measures study
Show others...
2023 (English)In: Military Psychology, ISSN 0899-5605, E-ISSN 1532-7876Article in journal (Refereed) Submitted
National Category
Social Sciences
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11789 (URN)
Available from: 2023-09-07 Created: 2023-09-07 Last updated: 2024-02-07
Jonsson, E., Lundin, J. & Larsson, G. (2023). How leadership course trainers cope with difficult course situations. Nordic Psychology
Open this publication in new window or tab >>How leadership course trainers cope with difficult course situations
2023 (English)In: Nordic Psychology, ISSN 1901-2276, E-ISSN 1904-0016Article in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract

This study aimed to explore how facilitators of group dynamic and structured leadership courses cope with difficult situations during the course, and to relate their coping strategies to general individual characteristics and situation-specific appraisals. The study group consisted of facilitators of two of the most widespread leadership courses in Sweden: 110 facilitators of the course Understanding Group and Leader (UGL) and 111 facilitators of Developmental leadership (DL). A web-based questionnaire included descriptions of two difficult interpersonal course situations and questions on personality, general leadership style as well as situation-specific appraisal and coping. Three coping strategies were identified (factor analyses): Focus on course structure, Focus on psychological safety and Focus on own reflection. These factors were positively correlated. Weak associations were observed between the coping strategies and personality and general leadership style. Situation-specific appraisals covaried more strongly with the coping strategies. The findings suggest that reflection based on these coping strategies can lead to increased self-awareness and self-confidence on part of the facilitator. The findings may also help leadership course facilitators to cope more effectively, which in turn creates trust in the group that they are leading. The study contributes to the understanding of a limited research area; how leadership course facilitators cope with difficult course situations. The results provide guidance on how to cope more effectively. Practical implications include aspects to focus on in the training of leadership course facilitators.

Keywords
Leadership course facilitators, difficult situations, personality, leadership, appraisal, coping
National Category
Psychology
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11844 (URN)10.1080/19012276.2023.2233703 (DOI)
Available from: 2023-10-04 Created: 2023-10-04 Last updated: 2023-10-20
Larsson, G., Molnar, M., Tinnerholm Ljungberg, H. & Björklund, C. (2023). Leadership through the subordinates' eye: perceptions of leader behaviors in relation to age and gender. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 44(1)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Leadership through the subordinates' eye: perceptions of leader behaviors in relation to age and gender
2023 (English)In: Leadership & Organization Development Journal, ISSN 0143-7739, E-ISSN 1472-5347, Vol. 44, no 1Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose

The study represents a theory-based leadership approach in exploring the subordinate's perceptions of leadership behaviors in relation to age, gender and type of work environment. The aim was (1) to compare subordinates' ratings of their respective leaders' leadership behaviors based on of the leaders' age and gender, controlling for type of work environment and (2) to analyze the relationship between the subordinates' ratings of their leaders' leadership behaviors and their ratings of the outcome of these leadership behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using the Developmental Leadership Questionnaire (DLQ) from a sample of Swedish leadership course participants (n = 10,869) and their respective subordinates (n = 97,943). The DLQ measures leadership behaviors designed to reflect the following leadership styles: developmental leadership, conventional-positive leadership, conventional-negative leadership and destructive leadership.

Findings

Results showed that older leaders (51 years or older) were rated less favorably than younger (29 years or younger) and mid-aged leaders. Female leaders received more positive ratings than male leaders. A 3-way analysis-of-variance showed strong main effects for age, gender, and type of work environment and no significant interaction effects. A significant model with high equivalents of R2 coefficients (Cox and Snell, 1989; Nagelkerke, 1991) was obtained in a logistic regression analysis. Developmental leadership and conventional-positive leadership made significant positive contributions to the subordinates' ratings of the outcome of their leaders' leadership behaviors. Destructive leadership behaviors contributed negatively to the outcome ratings.

Research limitations/implications

Weaknesses include the cross-sectional study design. The large sample size is a strength, and the results have novel implications for leadership theory related to subordinates' view on leadership.

Practical implications

Counter-stereotype age and gender findings may have implications for organizational decisions and processes regarding selection of managers. Development programs are suggested for all categories but for older, male leaders with a focus on reducing their use of leadership behaviors perceived negatively by their subordinates, whereas younger female leaders should be encouraged to continue to develop their positive leadership behaviors.Originality/valueThe theory-based approach on subordinates' perceptions of leadership behaviors with a simultaneous focus on age, gender and type of work environment, based on a large-scale data set, is new.

Keywords
Leadership, Subordinate perspective, Age, Gender, Developmental Leadership Questionnaire (DLQ)
National Category
Sociology
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11278 (URN)10.1108/LODJ-07-2021-0333 (DOI)
Available from: 2023-01-10 Created: 2023-01-10 Last updated: 2024-02-19Bibliographically approved
Larsson, G. (2023). Leadership under stress. London: Bookboon Learning
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Leadership under stress
2023 (English)Book (Refereed)
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
London: Bookboon Learning, 2023. p. 38
National Category
Psychology
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-12024 (URN)978-87-403-4799-9 (ISBN)
Available from: 2023-12-14 Created: 2023-12-14 Last updated: 2023-12-28
Larsson, G. (2023). Ledarskapsövningen ”Ledarskap och självkännedom” (LoS): Litteraturgenomgång och förslag på utveckling av övningen. Stockholm: Försvarshögskolan (FHS)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Ledarskapsövningen ”Ledarskap och självkännedom” (LoS): Litteraturgenomgång och förslag på utveckling av övningen
2023 (Swedish)Report (Other academic)
Abstract [sv]

Syftet med denna rapport är att redovisa en litteraturgenomgång gjord i juli 2023 i databaserna PsycInfo och ERIC kring begreppen självkännedom och självledarskap i första hand, och begreppen empati och kommunikationsförmåga i andra hand, samt att relatera analysens resultat till hur ledarskapsövningen ”Ledarskap och Självkännedom” (LoS) kan vidareutvecklas. Litteraturgenomgången kring självkännedom och självledarskap kom i stor utsträckning att baseras på tre aktuella meta-analyser. Inom såväl självkännedom som självledarskap framkom ett antal teoretiska aspekter som kan berika LoS i sin nuvarande form. Vidare framkom att begreppet självledarskap är teoretiskt tveksamt ur ett LoS-perspektiv. Däremot kan interventioner som lyfts fram inom litteratur om självledarskap vara värdefulla för LoS men då relaterade till deras ursprungliga källor. Risker med överdriven introspektiv reflektion, mindfulness med mera behöver beaktas vid urval av övningar i en reviderad LoS. Litteratursökningen relaterad till empati och kommunikationsförmåga gav ingen grund för revision av LoS i dessa avseenden. Slutligen påtalas behov av att revidera befintlig handledarmanual för LoS med denna rapport som grund, liksom behov av handledarutbildning och utvärdering av utfall av en reviderad LoS.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Stockholm: Försvarshögskolan (FHS), 2023. p. 28
Series
Swedish Defence University Report Series, ISSN 2004-7894 ; 1
Keywords
Ledarskapsövningen LoS, litteraturgenomgång, självkännedom, självledarskap, empati, kommunikationsförmåga
National Category
Educational Sciences Pedagogy
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11920 (URN)978-91-88975-30-0 (ISBN)
Available from: 2023-11-24 Created: 2023-11-24 Last updated: 2023-11-24Bibliographically approved
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Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0001-8274-6065

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