Why Anxiety-Prone Individuals Experience Higher Distress Under Toxic Leadership
Individuals with anxiety-sensitive nervous systems often process environmental stress more intensely. From a clinical psychology perspective, emotionally unsafe leadership can amplify existing anxiety patterns. When authority figures communicate unpredictably or critically, the brain interprets the environment as unstable, increasing internal stress signals. Anxiety is closely linked to threat detection. The amygdala, which processes fear and safety signals, becomes more reactive in individuals with anxiety tendencies. In toxic work settings, frequent tension, negative tone, or unclear expectations can continuously activate this system, leading to heightened worry, restlessness, and physical tension. Cognitive load also increases in such environments. Anxiety-prone individuals often overanalyze feedback, tone, and interactions. Under unsupportive leadership, this pattern intensifies, causing mental exhaustion. The brain remains engaged in constant monitoring rather than focusing on tas...