attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and entrepreneurial behavior: a mediation analysis

Background: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd) and entrepreneurship are two concepts that have recently received attention from researchers. objectives: 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. methods: 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). results: 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). conclusions: our findings suggest that the entrepreneurial behaviors and entrepreneurial attitudes of individuals with attention-deficit symptoms depend on their entrepreneurial self-efficacy. our findings hold important implications for empowering individuals with adhd symptoms in the entrepreneurial path.