The Influence of Psychological Capital on Entrepreneurial Intentions Among Fresh Graduates in Saudi Arabia: A Mediation Analysis Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2025
The Influence of Psychological Capital on Entrepreneurial Intentions Among Fresh Graduates in Saudi Arabia: A Mediation Analysis Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour
This article investigates the link between psychological capital and entrepreneurial intentions among fresh graduate students. It particularly explores the mediating role of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) between psychological capital and entrepreneurial intentions. The study is based on an online survey conducted with a cohort of 320 students who have freshly graduated from a Saudi university. The structural equation modelling approach was employed to analyse the data and test the study’s hypotheses. The study’s findings indicate that the relationship between psychological capital dimensions, such as optimism, resilience, self-efficacy and EI among students, is partially mediated by TPB. This mediation is facilitated by the two TPB components attitude towards behaviour and perceived behavioural control. Yet, the mediating role of subjective norms in this relationship was not detected. Surprisingly, the psychological capital dimension of hope does not affect TPB variables. This study provides significant insights for professional, academic coaches and career counsellors in preparing fresh business studies graduate students to start their professional lives as enterprising members.
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