Abstract This study investigates how crisis uncontrollability affects the mental well-being, along with the mediating roles of cognitive load and social comparison orientation, as well as the moderating role of entrepreneurial grit. Drawing on conservation of resources theory, the data from 304 CEOs was collected and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results support the dual mediation pathway, with both cognitive load and social comparison orientation significantly transmitting the negative effects of crisis uncontrollability to mental well-being. Interestingly, we found that entrepreneurial grit positively moderates the relationship between crisis uncontrollability and cognitive load, which showed that determination may lead to greater psychological costs when directed toward uncontrollable challenges. These findings contribute to entrepreneurship research by (1) identifying specific cognitive and social mechanisms linking crises to well-being, (2) challenging assumptions about grit’s universally protective role, and (3) integrating cognitive and social psychology perspectives into entrepreneurial stress models. Practical implications suggest the need for targeted interventions that help entrepreneurs manage cognitive load, engage in adaptive social comparisons, and apply grit more strategically during crises.
Abid et al. (2026) studied this question.