Amira is a dedicated researcher exploring the intersection of mental health, business, and well-being to empower individuals and communities. Discover key insights from her research below.
The Power of Belief: Enhancing Mental Health for Self-Employed Individuals
Academic Paper authored by Amira Shahin. Summary can be viewed below;
In today’s entrepreneurial world, self-employed individuals often grapple with intense stress and isolation. Our recent study delves into a powerful, often-underappreciated source of resilience: religiosity. Specifically, we explored how regular religious attendance impacts mental health for self-employed Australians, using data from the Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. Here are some key insights from the research.
Religious Attendance as a Source of Strength
Self-employment frequently demands a high level of independence, and without the structural support systems that employees might have, many self-employed individuals turn to external resources to manage their mental health. This study reveals that religious participation offers substantial benefits, providing emotional, social, and spiritual resources that help manage stress effectively. Regular attendance at religious services allows individuals to access a community, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose, which is particularly beneficial for those navigating the challenges of self-employment.
Unique Findings on Mental Health and Religious Participation
Our research uncovered several fascinating dynamics:
- Mental Health Improves with Regular Attendance: We found a strong positive link between frequent religious attendance and mental health. Individuals who regularly attend services report better overall well-being, as the spiritual and communal support they receive helps alleviate stress.
- Enhanced by Financial Stability: For self-employed individuals with greater financial stability, the positive impact of religiosity on mental health was even stronger. This may be because financial security reduces stress, allowing individuals to engage more deeply in religious activities, thus amplifying the mental health benefits.
- Impact of Alcohol Consumption: Interestingly, we found that regular alcohol consumption can weaken the mental health benefits of religious participation. Alcohol, often used as a stress-coping mechanism, appears to deplete resources that would otherwise be bolstered by religious engagement, highlighting the importance of healthier coping methods.
- Family Satisfaction as a Positive Influence: High levels of satisfaction with family life, especially relationships with children, also enhance the mental health benefits of religious attendance. Supportive family dynamics serve as an emotional anchor, complementing the social and spiritual support of religious participation.
Why This Matters
The findings underscore the significant role that religious participation can play in managing mental health, particularly for self-employed individuals facing high levels of stress. By engaging with their faith communities, individuals can access emotional and social resources that support resilience. For those balancing family life, this connection proves even more beneficial, offering a foundation of support that reinforces the mental health advantages of religious engagement.
A Broader Perspective
This study highlights how religiosity functions as a crucial resource for mental well-being, allowing individuals to build resilience against the complex stressors of self-employment. For self-employed Australians, religious attendance offers more than spiritual fulfillment—it provides a structured means of support, empowering individuals to face challenges with strengthened mental health and social backing.
A Field Experiment on Entrepreneurial Mental Health, Stress, and Business Success
Academic Paper authored by Amira Shahin. Summary can be viewed below;
Running a business is no small feat, and for entrepreneurs, mental health is often an overlooked yet crucial element of success. Our recent study delves into the powerful link between mental health and business performance, focusing on how factors like stress, psychological distress, and resilience shape the income and well-being of entrepreneurs. Using Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory, this research unpacks how mental resources impact entrepreneurs' success—and even reveals how stress, when balanced, can push business growth.
Understanding the Mental Health-Business Connection
For many entrepreneurs, stress and uncertainty come with the territory. Juggling numerous roles and responsibilities can quickly drain resources, creating a cycle where mental health challenges can hinder business outcomes, and vice versa. Our study involved a field experiment with 16 Australian entrepreneurs, using COR Theory to examine how their mental health resources interacted with business performance.
Key Findings: Stress, Distress, and Resilience
- Income as a Buffer Against Distress: We found a clear link between business income and psychological distress. Higher income levels appeared to reduce distress, providing access to additional resources and support systems that entrepreneurs can draw upon. Financial stability not only lessens mental strain but also opens doors to better coping mechanisms, such as professional help, wellness programs, or simply the ability to delegate tasks.
- The Surprising Role of Stress: Unlike distress, which directly hinders business outcomes, moderate stress was positively correlated with income. This finding may seem counterintuitive, as stress is typically viewed negatively. However, for entrepreneurs, stress can sometimes serve as a motivator—a nudge to adapt, persevere, and push boundaries. Moderate stress levels, when managed effectively, can drive creativity and innovation, crucial ingredients for business growth. This insight aligns with COR Theory, which suggests that stress can activate resource mobilization, prompting entrepreneurs to strive for higher performance to maintain and protect their resources.
- Resilience as a Sustaining Force: While resilience didn’t directly buffer against distress, it was positively associated with higher income. Entrepreneurs with higher resilience showed a greater capacity to persist, suggesting that resilience acts as a sustaining force, helping business owners stay focused and motivated even in challenging times. Resilience, therefore, emerges as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, supporting sustained business performance and mental well-being.
Why Mental Health Matters in Business
These findings underscore the critical role that mental health plays in entrepreneurial success. Business owners often face unique stressors that require a strong foundation of mental resilience and effective resource management. While income can help buffer against psychological distress, resilience and strategic stress management are also essential for long-term growth and well-being. Mindful Mentor fills a vital gap by providing accessible mental health resources tailored for the entrepreneurial lifestyle, making mental well-being a cornerstone of sustainable business success.
For entrepreneurs, investing in mental health is not just a personal benefit—it’s a strategic advantage. By understanding and harnessing their mental resources, business owners can navigate challenges more effectively, maintain motivation, and drive innovation. This study reveals the power of mental health as a fundamental part of the entrepreneurial toolkit, highlighting the importance of resilience, stress management, and financial stability in building a thriving business.
Your Health, Your Control: The Mental Health Connection
Academic Paper authored by Amira Shahin. Summary can be viewed below;
Our latest study explores the connection between personal control and mental health, using data from the HILDA survey, which tracks the lives of Australians over time. Personal control—the belief in one’s ability to influence life outcomes—plays a significant role in mental well-being. We found that individuals with higher levels of personal control experience better mental health overall. Here’s what our findings reveal about the role of personal control and how lifestyle factors like exercise, health, and injury influence its impact.
Key Findings on Personal Control and Mental Health
- Higher Personal Control Improves Mental Health: Personal control emerged as a strong predictor of better mental health. When individuals feel they have control over their circumstances, they report fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, highlighting the importance of self-belief in managing mental well-being.
- Exercise as a Powerful Enhancer: Engaging in regular weekly exercise was shown to amplify the positive effects of personal control on mental health. Exercise contributes to physical health and adds to mental resilience, strengthening the benefits of personal control in reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.
- Impact of Injury on Mental Health: Physical injuries or serious health conditions in the past year significantly challenge mental health, but individuals with high personal control reported less severe effects. This suggests that a strong sense of control can help people cope better with the psychological strain of physical setbacks, enabling a quicker mental recovery.
- Self-Reported Health as a Moderator: Poor self-reported health was linked to worse mental health outcomes. However, for those with higher levels of personal control, the negative impact of poor health was less pronounced. This finding highlights that personal control not only supports mental health but can also help buffer the effects of declining physical health.
Why This Matters
These findings expose the value of fostering personal control and resilience, especially for individuals facing physical health challenges. By encouraging personal control and incorporating regular physical activity, mental health interventions can help individuals build a foundation of self-efficacy that enhances resilience to stressors. This study suggests that personal control can be a protective factor, helping individuals manage the pressures and adversities that may otherwise impact mental health. The results emphasize the importance of integrating mental health support with strategies that enhance personal control and promote physical health to improve resilience and overall quality of life.