Hey Siri! does he love me? Unveiling the phenomena of emotional detachmentamong seafarers

Abstract

Purpose The challenges seafarers face are unique due to the nature of their work. Individuals in this profession face unique stressors such as limited interaction with people, isolation from society, confined workspaces, unpredictable weather conditions and exposure to hazardous situations. Quantitative methods used in studies on seafarers’ well-being fail to capture the individual experiences, emotions and motivations that make up their rich tapestry. The prevailing reliance on close-ended questionnaires is a hindrance to seafarers’ expression of subjective experiences and difficulties. It is essential to prioritize their well-being, both from a humanitarian standpoint and an economic perspective. Design/methodology/approach For this study, the authors coted qualitative data using open-ended semi-structured questionnaires from 35 (35) merchant navy sailors. The drive of the study was clearly stated to the respondents by the researchers. The study focuses on the emotional detachment of seafarers and follows a two-phase sampling process: criterion sampling and snowball sampling. The sampling methods are chosen in accordance with the purpose of the study. Findings The in-depth qualitative inquiry and detailed analysis of interview excerpts generated three broad themes that explain the occurrence of emotional detachment among seafarers. The qualitative study advances the knowledge base of the intricate phenomena of mariner’s emotional detachment. The themes illuminate the causes and outcomes of emotional detachment, also necessitating the need for intervention. Originality/value This study highlights the issue of seafarers at work, which tends to affect their personal and professional lives. The lived experiences of seafarers help us understand the issue of emotional detachment from a better and more in-depth perspective. This certainly helps companies and policymakers customize their interventions to seafarers’ needs.