Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Entrepreneurial Behavior: A Mediation Analysis

 Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and entrepreneurship are two concepts that have recently received attention from researchers.

 This study aimed to find the relationship between ADHD symptoms and entrepreneurial behavior with the mediating role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and attitude, as well as to assess the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial behavior with the mediating role of entrepreneurial attitude.

 This study was conducted on 388 Iranian entrepreneurs in 2021. The Entrepreneurial Behavior Scale, the Entrepreneurial Attitude Questionnaire, the Entrepreneurial Self-efficacy Scale, and the Adult ADHD Self-report Scale were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using Mplus software (version 8).

 The results revealed that hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms were positively and significantly related to entrepreneurial behavior (P < 0.001), and attention-deficit symptoms were negatively and significantly related to entrepreneurial behavior and entrepreneurial attitude, mediated through entrepreneurial self-efficacy (P < 0.01).

 Our findings suggest that the entrepreneurial behaviors and entrepreneurial attitudes of individuals with ADHD symptoms depend on their entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Our findings hold important implications for empowering individuals with ADHD symptoms in the entrepreneurial path.