The development and evaluation of a mentalization-based training program for multiple managerial layers: a study protocol

Occupational stress is a pressing issue for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are particularly vulnerable due to limited resources and unique challenges. Effective leadership is pivotal in mitigating stress and promoting workplace well-being, yet existing leadership training programs often lack a focus on relational competencies, which has been found as a core competency in fostering well-being among both leaders and employees. This study aims to evaluate a mentalization-based leadership training program designed to enhance relational competencies and improve employee and leader well-being in SMEs. The intervention study uses a quasi-experimental design with repeated measures at four time points. The estimated inclusion of participants counts 100 leaders and 700 employees from SMEs across various industries in Denmark. The program integrates mentalization theory with relational leadership theory, focusing on enhancing leaders’ capacity to mentalize, which is the capacity to understand and interpret mental states in oneself and others. The training program consists of five monthly in-person modules and four online modules. Linear mixed-effects models are used to examine effectiveness, and a mixed-method process-evaluation is applied to evaluate the implementation and training transfer. This study addresses critical gaps in leadership training by targeting relational competencies necessary for enhancing well-being among employees and leaders. The study hypothesizes that the training program will enhance leader and employee well-being, foster psychological safety and improve the psychosocial safety climate. Changes in leaders’ mentalizing capacity and relational leadership behaviors are anticipated to mediate these outcomes. By emphasizing mentalization as a core relational competency, the findings aim to contribute to evidence-based strategies for improving occupational mental health in SMEs, offering practical implications for public health interventions. This study was registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) under the identifier https://osf.io/4nwc8 on October 20, 2024.