This dissertation examines the impact of early life experiences—Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Exposure to Role Models (ERM), and Youth Sports Participation (YSP)—on Entrepreneurial Intentions (EI), with resilience as a moderating factor. Grounded in Self-Efficacy Theory (SET), this study explores how early experiences shape entrepreneurial aspirations and extends SET by demonstrating the role of resilience in overcoming adversity.
Using survey data from participants aged 18–42 (n = 292), the analysis revealed that ERM significantly influenced EI, reinforcing the idea that exposure to entrepreneurial role models fosters confidence in pursuing entrepreneurship. Resilience was positively associated with EI and moderated the impact of ACEs, helping to counteract their negative effects. However, ACEs and YSP did not show a direct influence on EI.
Further analysis revealed that household dysfunction, a category of ACEs, had a significant negative relationship with EI, suggesting that instability in the home environment may suppress entrepreneurial motivation. Additionally, individuals with a history of criminal justice involvement exhibited higher EI, highlighting the potential of entrepreneurship as an alternative pathway for those facing barriers to traditional employment. However, resilience did not moderate these relationships.
These findings highlight how early life experiences shape resilience, which in turn drives entrepreneurial motivation while expanding SET by illustrating resilience’s role in overcoming adversity to foster entrepreneurial intentions.
KEYWORDS: Entrepreneurial Intentions, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Resilience, Role Models, Youth Sports Participation, Criminal Justice Involvement and Self-Efficacy Theory.