Optimism and entrepreneurial intentions among students: The mediating role of emotional intelligence

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to explore the role of optimism and emotional intelligence in entrepreneurship intentions among students. Procedure: This paper proposes and empirically tests a theoretical model positing relationships between dispositional optimism, emotional intelligence, and entrepreneurial intention. Model formulation is based on a random survey of students (N=227). Principal Findings: Results indicate that students’ optimism and emotional intelligence are associated with increased levels of entrepreneurial intention. Additionally, the present study argues that emotional intelligence mediates the positive relationship between optimism and entrepreneurial intention. Theoretical and practical implications of this model are discussed.