摘要：While research on personality factors and economic success of entrepreneurs has
flourished over the years, studies on their specific working conditions and their
impact on health and career are surprisingly scarce. This study used a qualitative
approach to comprehensively mirror the working situation of German small business
owners. To reflect the broadness of this employment type and avoid sampling bias,
we applied a quota sampling strategy based on a preliminary typology of solo selfemployed respondents we derived from a large quantitative survey. We investigated
29 small business owners who reported, for example, on health complaints, recovery
opportunities, and obstacles and resources while running their businesses. Thematic
analysis was employed to develop a specific frame model for small business owners
based on established work-related stress theories which allowed us to derive concrete
hypotheses for further quantitative research. The main results emphasized the meaning
of active actions and the workers’ own responsibility for creating working conditions
and enabling autonomy. Besides personal preferences regarding the chosen career
path, marketability, flexibility, and social networks played a role and explained health and
career issues. When it came to practical implications, voluntariness played an essential
role for selecting this specific career path. Those being pushed into self-employment
as their only viable job opportunity should receive particular support through career
counseling to sustain their health.
关键词：autonomy;entrepreneurship;mental health;recovery;small business owners;strain
