The Effect of Entrepreneurship Education on Entrepreneurial Intention: Mediation of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Moderating Model of Psychological Capital

Abstract

Based on planned behavior theory (TPB), this study aims to explore the direct or indirect impacts of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intentions through entrepreneurial self-efficacy and explore the moderating role of psychological capital. Sample data were collected by sending online electronic questionnaires to university students in some universities in Guangxi. A structural equation model was used to test the 757 valid sample data. The results showed that: (1) college students of different genders and those with or without family business experience have significant differences in terms of their entrepreneurial intentions; (2) entrepreneurship education has a significant positive impact on entrepreneurial intentions; (3) entrepreneurial self-efficacy plays a complete mediating role; and (4) higher psychological capital can positively regulate the impact of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on entrepreneurial intention. The findings help explain the need for entrepreneurship education. In order to increase students’ participation in entrepreneurship education courses, different innovative technology-based curricula and educational methods can be used at higher educational levels. In addition, this study constructs a mediation and moderation model influencing entrepreneurial intention based on TPB, which further tests and enriches the research perspective of this theory from the perspective of positive psychology.