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Predictors of Burnout among Entrepreneurs: A Longitudinal Fixed-Effects Analysis

Author

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  • Mathieu Le Moal

    (MRM-EPME - Montpellier Research in Management - Entrepreneuriat et PME - MRM - Montpellier Research in Management - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - UM - Université de Montpellier)

  • Olivier Torrès

    (MRM-EPME - Montpellier Research in Management - Entrepreneuriat et PME - MRM - Montpellier Research in Management - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - UM - Université de Montpellier)

Abstract

This longitudinal study explored links between workplace loneliness, health, sleep, working hours, and burnout among 349 small business owners in construction/public works, using four waves of telephone data (2015-2016). A fixed-effects panel regression assessed within-person changes over time.Workplace loneliness was positively associated with burnout (β = 0.28, p < .001), while mental health (β = -0.27, p < .001) and sleep duration (β = -0.17, p = .018) were negatively associated. Physical health and working hours showed no significant effects. Additional analyses revealed stronger associations between loneliness, mental health, and burnout in SMEs compared to microenterprises, where sleep had a modest protective effect. These results underscore the need to address loneliness, support mental health, and promote sleep to reduce burnout in small business owners. Interventions should be adapted to the distinct needs of microenterprises and SMEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Mathieu Le Moal & Olivier Torrès, 2026. "Predictors of Burnout among Entrepreneurs: A Longitudinal Fixed-Effects Analysis," Post-Print hal-05507725, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05507725
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05507725v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carolin Palmer & Sascha Kraus & Norbert Kailer & Linda Huber & Zeynep Hale Öner, 2021. "Entrepreneurial burnout: a systematic review and research map," International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 43(3), pages 438-461.
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    3. Alexandre Benzari & Anis Khedhaouria & Olivier Torrès & Alain Cucchi, 2024. "The impact of technostress on small business owners burnout: the mediating role of strain," International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 52(4), pages 473-504.
    4. Alexandre Benzari & Anis Khedhaouria & Olivier Torrès & Alain Cucchi, 2024. "The impact of technostress on small business owners burnout: the mediating role of strain," Post-Print hal-05501927, HAL.
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