Abstract
The National Institute of Mental Health has reported that approximately 51.5 million people in the U.S. experience some form of mental illness and that anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses, with 31.1% of Americans experiencing some form of anxiety disorder in their lives. In this case study, one of the most common discriminatory behaviors toward all minority groups, microaggressions, is explored through the lens of leader-member exchange theory (LMX). LMX has been the foremost leadership theory used to understand the dynamics of mental illness in the workplace and how leaders interact and motivate those with disabilities or mental illness. The authors apply LMX to help leaders better understand their role in creating a more inclusive workplace.
TopMental Health In The Workplace
Approximately 51.5 million people in the U.S. experience some form of mental illness (National Institute for Mental Health [NIMH], 2021). Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses, with 31.1% of Americans experiencing some form of anxiety disorder in their lives (NIMH, 2021). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in the years 2001–2003, 19.1% of adults in the U.S. experienced a form of anxiety disorder, with the reporting being higher among women (23.4%) than men (14.3%) (NIMH, 2021). Individuals with anxiety disorders often go undiagnosed and untreated. Approximately only 37% of those with an anxiety disorder are treated (ACCESS Community Health Network, 2021). Even without treatment, those with anxiety disorders may still function well in the workplace except during those times when they are experiencing severe, or debilitating, symptoms.
A mental illness diagnosis, like a generalized anxiety disorder, changes how a person moves through the world (Rose & Thornicroft, 2011). It is usual for individuals to, at times, feel worried or concerned about something in their lives. However, according to the DSM-IV and DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, volumes 4 and 5), an anxiety disorder is when an individual is experiencing extreme and overwhelming feelings of worry and anxiety over time, with impacts on sleep, muscle tension, concentration, fatigue, or restlessness (Substance and Mental Health Services Administration, 2016). Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, agoraphobia, separation anxiety, selective mutism (i.e., children who will not speak in public), and medication-induced anxiety disorder (Anxiety disorders, 2020).
In this case study, we will focus primarily on mental illness in the workplace and how such individuals experience ableism, or the belief that there is a perfect version of what a human should be, one who is “able.” Ableism has been defined as
a network of beliefs, processes, and practices that produces a particular kind of self and body (the corporeal standard) that is projected as the perfect, species-typical and therefore essential and fully human. Disability then is cast as a diminished state of being human. (Campbell, 2001, p. 44)
Key Terms in this Chapter
Microaggressions: Microaggressions emerge from implicit biases, which come from stereotypical and simplistic views of individuals in marginalized groups. A microaggression is a statement that is considered disrespectful and possibly discriminatory by a person in the marginalized group with whom the microaggression is directed.
National Institute for Mental Health: The lead federal agency for research on mental disorders.
Mental Illness: A medical diagnosis pertaining to a mental disorder; when a person has a mental disorder or disability.
Empathic-Concern Leadership: A leadership style in which the leader spends an appropriate amount of effort getting to know followers or subordinates and, through knowing them, demonstrates concern for them as individuals.
Ableism: The belief that there is a perfect version of what a human should be. A person is considered “able” if they can meet these expectations.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A medical diagnosis characterized by excessive or unrealistic anxiety about two or more aspects of life (work deadlines, work pressures, social relationships, etc.).
Leader-Member Exchange Theory (LMX): LMX is focused on the quality of the interactions and, thus, relationships between leaders and their subordinates.
Mental Health: A person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being.