A survey of 250 Thai entrepreneurs in digital services, software and food and beverage associated the study construct entrepreneurial addiction with exit intention both directly and through burnout. Internal locus of control weakened the addiction-burnout association, but cross-sectional data cannot show that excessive engagement causes exit.
Key findings
- Entrepreneurial addiction was positively associated with exit intention directly and through burnout. Internal locus of control weakened the addiction-burnout path, while career adaptability and well-being unexpectedly strengthened hypothesized paths. The abstract gives no coefficients or effect sizes.
Why this matters globally
Startup cultures globally reward relentless work. The study adds founder mental health and human sustainability, suggesting support systems should measure more than growth or firm survival.
Thai researcher contribution
Mahasarakham University and NIDA researchers brought Thai entrepreneur data into a literature often dominated by Western startup ecosystems.
Limitations to consider
Same-time self-report data invite common-method bias, reverse causation and transient mood effects. Exit intention is not actual exit; three industries are not all entrepreneurs, addiction may overlap engagement or hours, and unexpected moderation needs replication.