@article{VoltmerSpahnSchaarschmidtetal.2011,
  author    = {Voltmer, Edgar and Spahn, Claudia and Schaarschmidt, Uwe and Kieschke, Ulf},
  title     = {Work-related behavior and experience patterns of entrepreneurs compared to teachers and physicians},
  series = {International archives of occupational and environmental health},
  volume    = {84},
  journal   = {International archives of occupational and environmental health},
  number    = {5},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0340-0131},
  doi       = {10.1007/s00420-011-0632-9},
  pages     = {479 -- 490},
  year      = {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.},
  language  = {en}
}