Relationships Between Transformational Leadership and Health: The Mediating Role of Perceived Job Demands and Occupational Self-Efficacy

The present study tests a multiple mediation model concerning complex relationships between transformational leadership and employee health. Based on recent transformational leadership research, we suggest that transformational leadership may be able to decrease cognitive and emotional strain by reducing perceived job demands and enhancing personal resources among employees. A sample of 1,074 employees participated in a cross-sectional study in Germany. Results confirmed the hypothesized multiple mediation model. Thus, transformational leadership and employees' short-term work related strain were negatively associated. However, the study suggests that a health-promoting effect of transformational leadership may better be explained due to the reduction of job demands and an enhancement of personal resources.