Simulating the Entrepreneurial Self: A Cognitive Tool for Fostering Resilience and Confidence

Entrepreneurial self-efficacy is a critical determinant of entrepreneurial intentions and behaviors, yet understanding how to enhance it through targeted interventions remains an ongoing challenge. This paper introduces a novel audio-guided mental simulation approach, grounded in mental simulation theory, construal level theory, and the construct of entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Using two studies involving European undergraduate and graduate students, we demonstrate that guided self-simulation reduces psychological distance and increases entrepreneurial self-efficacy, particularly through low-level construal simulation. While high-level construal simulation encouraged broader reflections on desirability, their impact on psychological distance was less pronounced. By explicitly integrating these theoretical frameworks and demonstrating their applied relevance, this study provides actionable insights for entrepreneurship education. Our research highlights the importance of tailoring simulation tools to meet diverse learner needs and underscores their potential for equipping future entrepreneurs with the cognitive and emotional readiness to navigate entrepreneurial challenges effectively.