Under Pressure: Anxiety, Depression, and Burnout Among Women Leaders and its Impact on Entrepreneurial Performance

Abstract

This study examines the psychological challenges faced by women in business leadership positions, focusing on anxiety, depression, and burnout among female entrepreneurs and executives in Spain (N=199). Using the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale and Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire, the research reveals significant findings: 77.89% of participants exhibited anxiety symptoms, while depressive symptoms were less prevalent but notable, with 71.36% reporting energy deficits. The sample comprised highly educated women (82.41% with tertiary degrees) averaging 47.01 years of age and 19.57 years of professional experience. While burnout levels were generally low, presenteeism affected 53.54% of participants, with self-reported work performance averaging 73.5/100. The study addresses a critical gap in empirical research on mood disorders among female leaders, demonstrating how emotional and psychological pressures impact managerial performance. The findings underscore the need for mental health policies encompassing both organisational and considerations related to the work environment.

Este estudo analiza os desafíos psicolóxicos aos que se enfrontan as mulleres en posicións de liderado empresarial, centrándose na ansiedade, a depresión e o burnout entre emprendedoras e directivas en España (N=199). Utilizando a Escala de Ansiedade e Depresión de Goldberg e o Cuestionario Clínico de Subtipos de burnout, a investigación revela achados significativos: o 77,89 % das participantes presentou síntomas de ansiedade, mentres que os síntomas depresivos foron menos prevalecentes, aínda que destacables, cun 71,36 % reportando déficits de enerxía. A mostra estivo composta por mulleres altamente cualificadas (82,41 % con estudos terciarios), cunha idade media de 47,01 anos e unha experiencia profesional media de 19,57 anos. Aínda que os niveis xerais de burnout foron baixos, o presentismo afectou ao 53,54 % das participantes, cun rendemento laboral autoinformado de 73,5 sobre 100. O estudo aborda unha lagoa crítica na investigación empírica sobre os trastornos do estado de ánimo en mulleres líderes, demostrando como as presións emocionais e psicolóxicas inciden no desempeño directivo. Os resultados subliñan os desafíos específicos que enfrontan as mulleres ao compaxinar roles de liderado coas expectativas sociais e domésticas.