Entrepreneurial-Oriented Thinking and Physical Wellbeing: An Empirical Test of a Sequential Mediation Model Involving Self-Efficacy and Sports Motivation

Entrepreneurial mindset has traditionally been examined in relation to entrepreneurial behavior and business performance; however, its role in promoting individual wellbeing remains underexplored. Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory and Self-Determination Theory, this study investigates whether self-efficacy and sports motivation explain the relationship between entrepreneurial-oriented thinking in physical-activity settings and physical wellbeing. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 462 participants in Saudi Arabia, and the proposed model was tested using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM). The results indicate that entrepreneurial-oriented thinking is positively associated with self-efficacy, sports motivation and physical wellbeing while self-efficacy is positively associated with sports motivation and physical wellbeing. Moreover, self-efficacy mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial-oriented thinking and physical wellbeing, whereas neither sports motivation nor the sequential mediation of self-efficacy and sports motivation was supported. These findings suggest that entrepreneurial-oriented thinking may be indirectly associated with health-related outcomes through self-efficacy. The study contributes to the entrepreneurship and management literature by integrating Social Cognitive Theory and Self-Determination Theory into a unified framework explaining how entrepreneurial-oriented cognition is associated with wellbeing. The findings also offer practical implications for educators, managers, and policymakers seeking to promote entrepreneurial competencies and healthier lifestyles, particularly within the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.