Empowering future entrepreneurs: Testing a strengths-based mindset intervention in a quasi-experimental pilot study

Abstract

As entrepreneurial education expands, psychological preparedness remains a critical yet often overlooked factor in ensuring the effective integration of training. This quasi-experimental pilot study investigated the effect of a brief positive psychology intervention on growth mindset and strengths use among 46 young adults in an entrepreneurial training program. The study used comparative between-subject (control vs. experimental) analyses to test the effect of the intervention, one day after the intervention, and comparative within-subject analyses to test the impact of the intervention at the two-week follow-up. Regression analyses were also performed to test whether strengths use predicts increased adherence to the entrepreneurial education program and higher entrepreneurial intentions. The results reveal that while the intervention did not significantly affect growth mindset, it led to a sustained increase in strengths use, as observed both immediately after the intervention and at a two-week follow-up. Additionally, the use of strengths at follow-up predicted participants' adherence to the program and their entrepreneurial intentions. These findings underscore the potential value of integrating psychological training into entrepreneurial education, equipping participants with tools that foster enhanced engagement and long-term motivation.