Date of Conferral

5-25-2024

Date of Award

May 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Michael Johnson

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of toxic leadership on the mental health of employees within Texas state agencies, utilizing betrayal trauma theory (BTT) as the theoretical framework. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, specifically through semi-structured interviews with eight employees who have experienced toxic leadership firsthand. These interviews aimed to uncover the psychological effects of such leadership on employees, with particular attention to symptoms of stress, anxiety, and job satisfaction. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that toxic leadership was significantly associated with increased psychological distress among employees. This distress manifested as heightened anxiety, depression, and general decrease in job satisfaction, corroborating the theoretical predictions of BTT that betrayal in significant relationships can lead to severe psychological impacts. Moreover, the data indicated that toxic leadership undermined trust and safety in professional settings, contributing negatively to the overall workplace atmosphere. Based on these findings, it is recommended to implement targeted leadership training programs that emphasize ethical conduct and the promotion of mental health awareness. It is also important to establish a support system for employees affected by toxic leadership, which could include counseling and resources to help mitigate the identified psychological impacts. These recommendations are designed to improve positive social change in organizational health and workplace environments, ultimately enhancing employee satisfaction and organizational effectiveness.

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