The Dark Side of Entrepreneurial Work: Towards an Integrative Framework of Stressors of Mental Well-being & Preventative Strategies

Abstract: Entrepreneurial work and the mental well-being of entrepreneurs often receive positive attention, despite evidence indicating a high prevalence of mental illness among entrepreneurs. This highlights the importance of understanding the stressors arising from entrepreneurial work that can contribute to mental ill-being as well as identifying strategies to mitigate their effects. This knowledge is crucial not only for the mental well-being of entrepreneurs themselves but also for society to ensure the long-term benefits of entrepreneurial endeavours. However, current literature lacks a comprehensive analysis of these stressors, often examining them in isolation and without considering their relationship to preventative strategies. Hence, this study seeks to address this gap by presenting an integrative framework that explores the interrelations between stressors and preventative strategies utilised by entrepreneurs to combat mental ill-being. The research adopts an inductive approach following the Gioia methodology to analyse the data and derive its findings from ten in-depth interviews conducted with first-time founders in Sweden. We have identified two sources of entrepreneurial work stressors: internal stressors and external stressors, as well as three preventative strategies to diminish their effects: self-care, social support, and mindset. This research contributes to the advancement of existing literature by introducing an integrative framework that includes both stressors and preventative strategies. It provides future researchers with detailed insights into the interrelationships among these factors. Furthermore, our findings offer valuable insights into the entrepreneurial ecosystems and the entrepreneurs themselves by shedding light on the factors that can negatively impact mental well-being and the strategies that can be used to mitigate them. Moreover, it stimulates discussion and raises awareness in society, fostering an environment where entrepreneurs feel comfortable acknowledging their struggles and seeking help at an early stage.