How childhood ADHD-like symptoms predict selection into entrepreneurship and implications on entrepreneurial performance

Abstract

Highlights • We examine the impact of distinct ADHD symptoms on entrepreneurial selection. • We examine the impact of distinct ADHD symptoms on entrepreneurial performance. • We find inattention to positively contribute on male entrepreneurial selection. • We find inattention to contribute to business failure and lower take-home income. • We show high levels of impulsivity to contribute to negative earnings' growth. Abstract This study advances research on mental health and entrepreneurship through the examination of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-like symptoms, associated with hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention. We examine the impact of these symptoms at age 10 on entrepreneurial performance as an adult. We find that while ADHD-like symptoms in childhood may have a positive impact on entrepreneurial selection, they negatively impact on survival and performance, with a variant effect by each symptom, predominantly among males. We find that high levels of inattention predict business failure and lower take-home income, while high levels of hyperactivity/impulsivity contribute to overall negative earnings' growth.