Extraversion and entrepreneurial intention: Dual mediation of social support and institutional resources

This study examined the dual mediating roles of perceived social support and institutional resources (e.g., entrepreneurship training and funding access) in the relationship between extraversion and entrepreneurial intention among Chinese college students. We conducted a survey of 589 students at Shaanxi Preschool Teachers’ College, and structural equation modeling revealed that extraversion not only directly predicted entrepreneurial intention, but was also indirectly associated with entrepreneurial intention through the mediators of social support and institutional resources. Exploratory analysis revealed gender and disciplinary differences, with men and those in applied fields (e.g., engineering) exhibiting stronger intentions than women and those working in theoretical fields. These findings extend Shapero and Sokol’s (1982) entrepreneurial event model by incorporating institutional drivers, and offer practical strategies for universities to develop tailored entrepreneurship programs.