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Under Pressure: Anxiety, Depression, and Burnout Among Women Leaders and its Impact on Entrepreneurial Performance

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  • Ruiz-Adame, Manuel

  • Martínez-Rodríguez, Susana

Abstract

This study examines the psychological challenges faced by women in business leadership positions, focusing on anxiety, depression, and burnout among female entrepreneurs and executives in Spain (N=199). Using the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale and Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire, the research reveals significant findings: 77.89% of participants exhibited anxiety symptoms, while depressive symptoms were less prevalent but notable, with 71.36% reporting energy deficits. The sample comprised highly educated women (82.41% with tertiary degrees) averaging 47.01 years of age and 19.57 years of professional experience. While burnout levels were generally low, presenteeism affected 53.54% of participants, with self-reported work performance averaging 73.5/100. The study addresses a critical gap in empirical research on mood disorders among female leaders, demonstrating how emotional and psychological pressures impact managerial performance. The findings underscore the need for mental health policies encompassing both organisational and considerations related to the work environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruiz-Adame, Manuel & Martínez-Rodríguez, Susana, 2025. "Under Pressure: Anxiety, Depression, and Burnout Among Women Leaders and its Impact on Entrepreneurial Performance," Revista Galega de Economía, University of Santiago de Compostela. Faculty of Economics and Business., vol. 34(3), pages 1-24.
    • Handle: RePEc:sdo:regaec:v:34:y:2025:i:3_5
    DOI: 10.15304/rge.34.3.10581
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Juan Camilo Serna-Zuluaga & David Juárez-Varón & Ana Mengual-Recuerda & Ana Medina-López, 2024. "Analysis of the influence of emotions on the decision-making of entrepreneurs using neurotechnologies," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 20(3), pages 2169-2186, September.
    2. Denise Albieri Jodas Salvagioni & Francine Nesello Melanda & Arthur Eumann Mesas & Alberto Durán González & Flávia Lopes Gabani & Selma Maffei de Andrade, 2017. "Physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout: A systematic review of prospective studies," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(10), pages 1-29, October.
    3. Ingrid C. Chadwick & Jana L. Raver, 2020. "Psychological Resilience and Its Downstream Effects for Business Survival in Nascent Entrepreneurship," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 44(2), pages 233-255, March.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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