Gendered perspective, family business and entrepreneurial experiences: Exploring differences in entrepreneurial addiction and mental health

Purpose:
This study delves into the intersections of gender, family business, and entrepreneurial experiences to explore differences in entrepreneurial addiction and mental health. Design/methodology/approach: Focusing on habitual entrepreneurs in Malaysia, the research employs a quantitative approach, examining variables such as obsessive thoughts, self-worth, withdrawal/engagement, tolerance, negative outcomes, neglect, and mental health.

Findings:
Findings reveal high levels of addiction, particularly in obsessive thoughts and withdrawal/engagement, alongside generally positive mental health outcomes. No gender differences highlighted that there is no potential susceptibility of male entrepreneurs to work related stress and burnout, contributing to higher rates of entrepreneurship addiction. Family economics involvement significantly influences self-worth and withdrawal/engagement, showcasing unique stressors in navigating familial roles within entrepreneurship. However, no significant differences emerged based on years of entrepreneurial experience.

Research limitations/implications:
This study contributes to the enrichment of the topic of entrepreneurship addiction, specifically on differences by gender, family business and years of experience.

Practical implications:
Entrepreneurs can recognize the level of entrepreneurship addiction for them to reduce their addiction and also their mental health.

Originality/value:
The study contributes to the addiction realm in entrepreneurship, while emphasising the intricate interplay between individual characteristics and contextual factors in shaping mental well-being within entrepreneurship.