Abstract

| Mental health has become a central topic, including its relationship with work. Health care workers are especially affected by the effects of work on mental health, with leadership emerging as a significant dimension for analysis. The aim of this study is to analyze the available evidence to understand the causes or antecedents of mental health problems among health care workers. A systematic review (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42022379794) was conducted, including empirical quantitative articles (experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental) in English and Spanish that were related to the study variables. Theoretical and qualitative articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were excluded. The data were analyzed through a narrative synthesis. Eighteen articles that presented various forms of destructive leadership were reviewed, such as abusive, toxic, laissez-faire leaderships and incivility behaviors. Destructive leadership styles were shown to increase the risk of mental health problems and affect workplace organizations, manifesting as absenteeism, turnover intention, and low satisfaction. The results of this literature review show the significant role of leadership in relation to mental health and, in particular, the negative effects of destructive leadership on health care workers. © 2025 Associacao Nacional de Medicina do Trabalho. All rights reserved.