thesis subject :
The loneliness of struggling entrepreneur: a social provision based approach.
Thesis start date :
Octobre 2024
Name of thesis supervisor(s) :
Vincent Maymo & Julien Cusin
Thesis abstract :
Approximately one in two entrepreneurs suffers from loneliness (Saporito, 2012). Despite the many social interactions inherent in the role of a business leader, the majority of entrepreneurs do not receive the social support they desperately need to cope with the many stressors that accompany the entrepreneurial journey, especially when the business is struggling. However, the literature has largely established the negative impacts of loneliness on both physical and mental health (Murthy, 2017; Hawkley & Cacioppo, 2010; Gumpert & Boyd, 1984; Fernet et al., 2016). Drawing on a major theory of loneliness, that of social provisions by sociologist Robert Weiss (1973, 1974), our research project aims to better understand the psychological mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of entrepreneurial loneliness and its consequences on mental health. We will also explore the potential links between perceived lack of social support, loneliness, and fear of entrepreneurial failure, particularly in the context of economic hardship.
