Well-Being or Skills? Subjective Well-Being Vs. Perceived Competence in Shaping Entrepreneurial Intention Through Entrepreneurship Education
Abstract
This study investigates whether psychological factors (represented by subjective well-being) or skill-based factors (represented by perceived competence) are more influential in determining entrepreneurial intention following entrepreneurship education. Using a cross-sectional quantitative approach, with validated measurement scales and 600 respondents from Sichuan, the research examined the relative contributions of these constructs among students participating in entrepreneurship education programs. The results show that entrepreneurial intention is significantly predicted by both subjective well-being and perceived competence, as indicated by regression analysis. However, the effect of subjective well-being is more pronounced, suggesting that psychological readiness in entrepreneurial intention is important. Furthermore, entrepreneurial education proved to be a key enabler that simultaneously increased well-being and competence, strengthening the role of entrepreneurial intention. These findings are consistent with the Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior, which emphasize the interaction of cognitive, attitudinal, and contextual factors in the formation of intentions.
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