This interdisciplinary study investigates how different types of entrepreneurs, social vs. for-profit, experience and internalize stress, both psychologically and biologically. Using dried blood spot samples and advanced gene expression analysis, researchers will examine differences in pro-inflammatory and antiviral gene expression, alongside subjective well-being measures, in 90 U.S.-based entrepreneurs. The study explores whether entrepreneurial role types are associated with distinct biological markers of chronic stress and how these relate to hedonic (pleasure-based) and eudaimonic (purpose-driven) well-being. This project represents a novel bridge between entrepreneurship, psychology, and genomics to better understand how occupational stress manifests and varies across entrepreneurial identities. 

The study will provide the first empirical data linking gene expression patterns to entrepreneurial stress and well-being. Findings may uncover biological indicators of chronic stress that differ between social and for-profit entrepreneurs and reveal potential mismatches between self-reported and genomic measures. Insights will inform support strategies for high-risk groups such as women, caregivers, and mission-driven founders, and pave the way for a future longitudinal study on burnout risk in entrepreneurship.