Entrepreneurship And ADHD: A Meta-Analytical AssessmentOf The State-Of-The-Art And Suggestions For The Future

Author Information:

Mi (Kelly) Hoang Tran, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Johan Wiklund, Syracuse University

Kevin Antshel, Syracuse University

Nandini Jhawar, Nemours Children's Health 

Catherine Montgomery, Nemours Children's Health 

Journal:
Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 2025

Summary:

This meta-analysis synthesizes data from 47 empirical studies, encompassing 298 effect sizes, to examine the relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and entrepreneurship. We found that ADHD symptoms, particularly hyperactivity and impulsivity, are positively associated with entrepreneurial behaviors, while inattention is negatively associated with post-launch outcomes. Our findings suggest that while ADHD can be advantageous in the early stages of entrepreneurship, its impact on long-term success is more complex and tends to be detrimental.

Key Insights:

ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity, may enhance entrepreneurial intentions and behaviors but pose challenges post-launch, particularly in areas requiring focus and detail. Entrepreneurs with ADHD may excel in the start-up phase but struggle with maintaining long-term success due to issues like inattention.

Research Questions:

Our primary research question was: How do ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, total ADHD symptoms, and clinical diagnosis) influence various stages of the entrepreneurial process, including entrepreneurial intentions, behaviors, and post-launch outcomes?

What We Know:

Despite increasing interest in ADHD’s connection to entrepreneurship, evidence has been inconsistent. This study provides clarity, showing that ADHD traits such as hyperactivity/impulsivity may foster entrepreneurial intentions and behaviors but hinder long-term outcomes due to challenges in focus and detail. This contributes to a better understanding of ADHD’s impact on entrepreneurship.

Why Scholars Care:

This research bridges ADHD research with entrepreneurship theory, offering empirical evidence that supports non-rational models of entrepreneurial action. It also advances Person-Environment Fit theory by showing that ADHD traits may fit the dynamic, risk-taking nature of entrepreneurship, but not with post-launch stability.

Why practitioners care: Entrepreneurs with ADHD may benefit from understanding the specific stages where their traits fit entrepreneurial demands. Knowing when ADHD traits are advantageous versus detrimental can help design entrepreneurial support programs, such as mentorship, leadership development, and post-launch management strategies.

Novel Findings:

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity and Entrepreneurship: These traits are positively associated with entrepreneurial intentions and behaviors but are not significantly related to post-launch outcomes.

Inattention and Post-Launch Outcomes: Inattention is not significantly related to entrepreneurial intentions and behavior but is negatively associated with post-launch outcomes.

Person-Environment Fit Refinement: ADHD traits may fit well with early entrepreneurial behaviors but pose challenges in post-launch success.

Stage-Dependent Effects: ADHD’s impact varies across entrepreneurial stages, from positive effects during venture initiation to negative consequences in post-launch phases.

Implications for Practice:

For Entrepreneurs:

• Focus on leveraging ADHD traits in early-stage ventures where risk-taking, rapid action, and innovation are key.
• Implement strategies to address challenges related to inattention, particularly in post-launch phases that require organizational stability and focus.

For Educators:

• Recognize ADHD traits as strengths in entrepreneurial education, fostering creativity, risk tolerance, and high energy.
• Provide resources and mentorship to help ADHD entrepreneurs manage post-launch complexities.

For Policymakers:

• Support neurodiverse entrepreneurs through funding programs that focus on overcoming post-launch operational challenges.
• Promote mental health awareness and ADHD support in entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Implications for Future Research:

This study opens several exciting avenues for future research:

• Contextual Fit of ADHD Traits: Examine how ADHD traits (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity) align with entrepreneurial demands at different stages (startup vs. post-launch) and in varied business contexts.
• ADHD Treatment and Outcomes: Investigate the impact of ADHD treatments (medication/therapy) on entrepreneurial performance and success.
• Longitudinal Research and Comorbidities: Prioritize longitudinal studies to strengthen causal inferences and account for comorbid conditions in ADHD-entrepreneurship research.

Full Citation:

Tran, M. H., Wiklund, J., Antshel, K., Jhawar, N., & Montgomery, C. (2025). Entrepreneurship and ADHD: A meta-analytical assessment of the state-of-the-art and suggestions for the future. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, in press.

Abstract:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been increasingly linked to entrepreneurship, yet existing findings remain fragmented and, at times, contradictory. This meta-analysis synthesizes 298 effect sizes from 47 studies to examine the relationships between ADHD (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, total symptoms, and clinical diagnosis) and entrepreneurial attitudes, behaviors, and post-launch outcomes. The results show that hyperactivity/impulsivity is positively associated with entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviors but not significantly related to post-launch outcomes. Conversely, inattention is negatively associated with post-launch outcomes. Total ADHD symptoms and clinical diagnosis are positively related to entrepreneurial behaviors, yet negatively linked to entrepreneurial outcomes. We conclude by proposing directions for future research.