Title: At the heart of things: the impact of life-partners on entrepreneurs' psychological capital

Authors: Ben Bulmash

Addresses: Faculty of Technology Management, Holon Institute of Technology (HIT), 52 Golomb St., Holon, 58102, Israel

Abstract: Given the uncertainties and challenges faced by entrepreneurs, psychological capital is now considered a leading factor in entrepreneurial longevity and success. However, since psychological capital has traditionally been considered a dispositional attribute, little attention has been given to the external factors that influence it. Based on the idea that psychological capital is a state rather than a trait, this study sought to test the association between life-partners' support and strain and entrepreneurs' mental states of optimism, pessimism, and self-esteem, which are three key psychological capital components. The interaction between life-partner support and strain was also examined. Results suggest that while both life-partner support and strain are linked to entrepreneur psychological capital, low levels of support result in the least favourable mental states, suggesting a support-buffering effect. This study provides important implications for all who are involved in entrepreneurial activities.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; psychological capital; optimism; pessimism; self-esteem; life-partner; spouse; spousal capital; social capital.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2022.122658

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2022 Vol.45 No.4, pp.476 - 488

Received: 13 Jun 2019
Accepted: 13 Jun 2019
Published online: 05 May 2022 *

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