Entrepreneurship offers great freedom, but it also comes with numerous sources of stress. Certain psychological resources can help entrepreneurs sustainably safeguard their health and well-being.
Creating, growing, and leading a business requires energy, commitment, and strong adaptability. Facing unexpected events, financial responsibilities, or decision-making isolation, many entrepreneurs are exposed to significant pressure. While financial, strategic, and technical resources often take center stage, psychological resources also play an essential role in their ability to cope with daily challenges.
This is precisely what the FRiSBEE research project aims to better understand. Led by ICHEC in partnership with UCLouvain and funded by the Fonds pour la Recherche en Haute École (FRHE), the project examines various resources, among which one appears particularly promising: psychological flexibility.
Continuous Adaptation
Indeed, entrepreneurs regularly face the need to adapt to situations beyond their full control: market fluctuations, customer rejections, hiring difficulties, geopolitical instability, or regulatory changes. It is in these moments that psychological flexibility can make all the difference. This concept refers to an individual's ability to navigate internal experiences, such as difficult emotions or thoughts, while continuing to act in alignment with their values (Hayes et al., 2012). In other words, it enables individuals to stay connected to their goals and what truly matters, even when situations become uncomfortable (Azadfar et al., 2025).
This approach is not about eliminating the stress, anxiety, or doubts that often accompany the entrepreneurial journey. Rather, it focuses on learning to move forward despite their presence. In practice, this fosters more composed decision-making, greater freedom of action, and improved adaptability in complex and changing environments (Kashdan & Rottenberg, 2010).
Tools to Develop Psychological Flexibility
Psychological flexibility is not a fixed personality trait. It can be developed over time through various practices, such as mindfulness, self-reflection exercises, therapy, or dedicated coaching programs. Several studies show that these approaches contribute to improving well-being, emotional regulation, and the ability to face professional challenges (Azadfar et al., 2025).
Preserving Health Capital
While mental health challenges among entrepreneurs are increasingly recognized today, many questions remain regarding the factors that enable the long-term preservation of their health and well-being. The FRiSBEE project specifically aims to deepen our understanding of these mechanisms in order to develop prevention initiatives and support programs better tailored to real-world needs.
Call for Participation
Entrepreneurs, you can contribute to this research project in several ways: by completing our online survey (https://forms.gle/Nyn5wJZ92c57xtNp7) and/or by participating in our workshops focused on developing psychological flexibility. For any further information, feel free to contact us at: frisbee@ichec.be.
Better understanding and supporting entrepreneurs' psychological health also means contributing to the long-term sustainability of our businesses and our entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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References:
Azadfar, Z., Baetens, I., Tsantzalou, K. S., Castiglione, L., Van Heel, M., & Theuns, P. (2025). A benchmarking study of mindful self-compassion and acceptance and commitment therapy for Self compassion and psychological Well-being. Current Psychology, 44(16), 14083-14096. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-025-08162-7.
Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The process and practice of mindful change. Guilford Press.
Kashdan, T. B., & Rottenberg, J. (2010). Psychological flexibility as a fundamental aspect of health. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 865-878.