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Self-employment and work-related stress: The mediating role of job control and job demand

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  • Hessels, Jolanda
  • Rietveld, Cornelius A.
  • van der Zwan, Peter

Abstract

Drawing upon the Job Demand-Control (JDC) model, this study investigates differences in work-related stress between the self-employed and wage workers. The JDC model postulates that job demand increases work-related stress, whereas job control reduces it (also by weakening the effect of job demand on work-related stress). Based on this model, we predict that the self-employed experience less work-related stress than wage workers. Empirical analysis of a longitudinal sample from Australia (2005–2013) confirms our expectations and demonstrates that job control fully mediates the negative relationship between self-employment and work-related stress. Further analyses show that self-employed individuals with employees experience more work-related stress than those without employees because of higher job demand.

Suggested Citation

  • Hessels, Jolanda & Rietveld, Cornelius A. & van der Zwan, Peter, 2017. "Self-employment and work-related stress: The mediating role of job control and job demand," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 178-196.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbvent:v:32:y:2017:i:2:p:178-196
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusvent.2016.10.007
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