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When Leaders Are Safe Havens: How Secure Base Leadership Buffers the Impact of Emotional Demands on Exhaustion

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Listed:
  • María C. Navas-Jiménez

    (Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Ana Laguia

    (Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Rocio Schettini

    (Fundación de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain)

  • Fidel Rodríguez-Batalla

    (Fundación de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain)

  • David Guillén-Corchado

    (Centro Asociado Madrid, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28012 Madrid, Spain)

  • Juan A. Moriano

    (Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

Based on attachment theory, this research explores Secure Base Leadership’s (SBL) efficacy in mitigating the negative impact of emotional demands on employee exhaustion, with an aim to reduce burnout rates and improve workplace well-being. A survey sample of 428 Spanish employees from various sectors was collected, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the research model. Emotional demands were found to significantly increase employee exhaustion, whereas SBL reduced and moderated these effects, proving its protective function. Furthermore, increased exhaustion was associated with longer tenure and employment in private organizations. Findings support integrating SBL in leadership development to foster a supportive environment, mitigate burnout, and boost employee well-being. Highlighting the application of attachment theory in organizational settings, this study contributes to understanding SBL’s effectiveness against emotional demands, guiding leadership practices to enhance organizational health.

Suggested Citation

  • María C. Navas-Jiménez & Ana Laguia & Rocio Schettini & Fidel Rodríguez-Batalla & David Guillén-Corchado & Juan A. Moriano, 2025. "When Leaders Are Safe Havens: How Secure Base Leadership Buffers the Impact of Emotional Demands on Exhaustion," Merits, MDPI, vol. 5(1), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jmerit:v:5:y:2025:i:1:p:3-:d:1576231
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sergio Edú-Valsania & Ana Laguía & Juan A. Moriano, 2022. "Burnout: A Review of Theory and Measurement," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-27, February.
    2. Juan A. Moriano & Fernando Molero & Ana Laguía & Mario Mikulincer & Phillip R. Shaver, 2021. "Security Providing Leadership: A Job Resource to Prevent Employees’ Burnout," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-12, November.
    3. Joana Duarte & Hanne Berthelsen & Mikaela Owen, 2020. "Not All Emotional Demands Are the Same: Emotional Demands from Clients’ or Co-Workers’ Relations Have Different Associations with Well-Being in Service Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-15, October.
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