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How childhood ADHD-like symptoms predict selection into entrepreneurship and implications on entrepreneurial performance

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  • Rajah, Nasir
  • Bamiatzi, Vassiliki
  • Williams, Nick

Abstract

This study advances research on mental health and entrepreneurship through the examination of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-like symptoms, associated with hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention. We examine the impact of these symptoms at age 10 on entrepreneurial performance as an adult. We find that while ADHD-like symptoms in childhood may have a positive impact on entrepreneurial selection, they negatively impact on survival and performance, with a variant effect by each symptom, predominantly among males. We find that high levels of inattention predict business failure and lower take-home income, while high levels of hyperactivity/impulsivity contribute to overall negative earnings' growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Rajah, Nasir & Bamiatzi, Vassiliki & Williams, Nick, 2021. "How childhood ADHD-like symptoms predict selection into entrepreneurship and implications on entrepreneurial performance," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 36(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbvent:v:36:y:2021:i:3:s088390262100001x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusvent.2021.106091
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    Cited by:

    1. Hunt, Richard A. & Lerner, Daniel A. & Johnson, Sheri L. & Badal, Sangeeta & Freeman, Michael A., 2022. "Cracks in the wall: Entrepreneurial action theory and the weakening presumption of intended rationality," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 37(3).
    2. Packard, Mark D. & Bylund, Per L., 2021. "From homo economicus to homo agens: Toward a subjective rationality for entrepreneurship," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 36(6).
    3. Rajah, Nasir & Mattock, Richard & Martin, Adam, 2023. "How do childhood ADHD symptoms affect labour market outcomes?," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 48(C).
    4. Yu, Wei & Stephan, Ute & Bao, Jia, 2023. "Childhood adversities: Mixed blessings for entrepreneurial entry," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 38(2).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Entrepreneurship; ADHD; Impulsivity; Inattention; Firm performance; Firm survival;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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