The Influence of Hypomania Symptoms on Wealth Attainment in Self-Employment

Abstract

Hypomania symptoms could be associated with successful performance in self-employment. While the symptoms of hypomania are generally believed to be detrimental, they could provide some benefits within self-employment contexts. However, to our knowledge no prior epidemiological research has been done to investigate these claims. This paper examines the association between hypomania symptoms and wealth attainment for individuals who are self-employed in a population-based sample from the National Study of American Life (N = 2,077). Our results indicate a positive association with wealth attainment for self-employed individuals with hypomania symptoms (β = 4.327; 95% C.I.: 2.248, 6.407), and that this relationship is marginally strengthened by education (β = 3.965; 95% C.I.: -0.712, 8.642; marginally significant) and weakened by age (β = -0.772; 95% C.I.: -1.426, -0.119). Our results suggest that hypomania symptoms, while in general believed to place individuals who experience them at a disadvantage, are associated positively with wealth attainment for individuals who are self-employed.