Disinhibition predicts both psychopathy and entrepreneurial intentions

Abstract

Most research has suggested that disinhibition, defined as persistence despite negative feedback, generally leads to dysfunctional outcomes. However, some traits related to disinhibition such as sensation seeking, impulsivity, and risk-taking are also associated with functional outcomes. This study examined 157 full-time workers to determine whether disinhibition positively predicted psychopathy and entrepreneurial intentions, using an adapted Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) as a measure of disinhibition. This approach was then replicated in a sample of 143 university staff and students. Across both samples, disinhibition was found to predict both subclinical psychopathy and entrepreneurial intentions. These results suggest disinhibition can be a driver that potentially leads to entrepreneurial action or antisocial outcomes.