This long-term longitudinal study examined the relation between aspects of adolescents' family context representing a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment and subsequent qualities of transformational leadership in every day leaders in early adulthood. In addition, we examined one pathway through which this link occurs. Specifically, we sought to determine whether the relation between positive family functioning and transformational leadership was mediated through adolescent self-concept.
 
Repeated measures from participants, ages 12 through 29 years (N = 106), in the Fullerton Longitudinal Study were analyzed using multilevel structural equation models (MSEM).
 
The results indicated a significant relation between family functioning and transformational leadership mediated by self-concept, controlling for socioeconomic status. When parents provided a stimulating and supportive environment, adolescents reported a more positive general self-concept, which subsequently related to transformational leadership qualities in adulthood. These findings represent the first prospective data that support the relation of family environment in childhood to transformational leadership in adulthood.