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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-06-2011 | Original Article

Work-related behavior and experience patterns of entrepreneurs compared to teachers and physicians

Authors: Edgar Voltmer, Claudia Spahn, Uwe Schaarschmidt, Ulf Kieschke

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 5/2011

Abstract

Purpose

This study examined the status of health-related behavior and experience patterns of entrepreneurs in comparison with teachers and physicians to identify specific health risks and resources.

Methods

Entrepreneurs (n = 632), teachers (n = 5,196), and physicians (n = 549) were surveyed in a cross-sectional design. The questionnaire Work-related Behavior and Experience Patterns (AVEM) was used for all professions and, in addition, two scales (health prevention and self-confidence) from the Checklist for Entrepreneurs in the sample of entrepreneurs.

Results

The largest proportion of the entrepreneurs (45%) presented with a healthy pattern (compared with 18.4% teachers and 18.3% physicians). Thirty-eight percent of entrepreneurs showed a risk pattern of overexertion and stress, followed by teachers (28.9%) and physicians (20.6%). Unambitious or burnout patterns were seen in only 9.3/8.2% of entrepreneurs, respectively, and 25.3/27.3% of teachers, and 39.6/21.5% of physicians. While the distribution of patterns in teachers and physicians differed significantly between genders, a gender difference was not found among entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs with the risk pattern of overexertion scored significantly (P < 0.01) lower in self-confidence and health care than those with the healthy pattern.

Conclusions

The development of a successful enterprise depends, in part, on the health of the entrepreneur. The large proportion of entrepreneurs with the healthy pattern irrespective of gender may support the notion that self-selection effects of healthy individuals in this special career might be important. At the same time, a large proportion was at risk for overexertion and might benefit from measures to cope with professional demands and stress and promote a healthy behavior pattern.

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Title: Work-related behavior and experience patterns of entrepreneurs compared to teachers and physicians
Authors: Edgar Voltmer
Claudia Spahn
Uwe Schaarschmidt
Ulf Kieschke
Publication date: 01-06-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-011-0632-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Work-related behavior and experience patterns of entrepreneurs compared to teachers and physicians

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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