O-152 the Development and Testing of a Holistic Job – Life Demands – Resources Model to Measure Psychosocial Risks and Well-Being of the Self-Employed

Introduction Within the Belgian context, a lot is known about the well-being and the work-related psychosocial risks for employees. However, we know less about the work-related well-being and psychosocial risks of the self-employed. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a holistic job – life demands – resources model to measure risk factors and well-being outcomes specific to the self-employed. Methods We tested this model in a cross-sectional online study with 4358 self-employed participants. To test the relationship between different risk factors and well-being indicators, we used correlation and regression analyses. To examine socio-demographic differences (e.g., gender, age, sector) in both risk factors and well-being indicators, we used Chi-square tests. The analyses were performed in SPSS. Results As expected, we found significant positive relationships between job resources (e.g., recognition) and well-being indicators (e.g., passion for the job), and between job demands (e.g., financial insecurity) and ill-being indicators (e.g., rumination) and significant negative relationships between job resources and ill-being indicators and job demands and well-being indicators. Also as expected, we found several significant differences in job demands – resources and well- and ill-being indicators based on characteristics such as gender, age and sector. Discussion Further research may validate this model in other national contexts. Also, longitudinal studies may shed light on the causal relationship between risk factors and well-being. Conclusion We found evidence for a holistic job – life demands – resources model for the self-employed. The findings from our study may inform programs and campaigns to foster the well-being of the self-employed.