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Not All Are Equal: A Latent Profile Analysis of Well-Being Among the Self-Employed

Author

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  • Aleksandra Bujacz

    (Karolinska Institutet)

  • Constanze Eib

    (Uppsala University)

  • Susanna Toivanen

    (Mälardalen University
    Stockholm University)

Abstract

This study uses a person-centered approach to distinguish between subpopulations of self-employed individuals using multidimensional well-being indicators. Data were obtained from European Social Survey including a sample of 3461 self-employed individuals from 29 European countries. The analysis has empirically identified six distinct profiles named ‘unhappy’, ‘languishing’, ‘happy’, ‘satisfied’, ‘passionate’, and ‘flourishing’. The profiles were associated with significant differences in well-being, health and work-related variables. The results highlight the heterogeneity of the self-employed population, and describe the complex—both hedonic and eudaimonic—character of the well-being concept in this population.

Suggested Citation

  • Aleksandra Bujacz & Constanze Eib & Susanna Toivanen, 2020. "Not All Are Equal: A Latent Profile Analysis of Well-Being Among the Self-Employed," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(5), pages 1661-1680, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:21:y:2020:i:5:d:10.1007_s10902-019-00147-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-019-00147-1
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    Cited by:

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    2. Tauhid Hossain Khan & Ellen MacEachen & Debra Dunstan, 2022. "What Social Supports Are Available to Self-Employed People When Ill or Injured? A Comparative Policy Analysis of Canada and Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-23, April.

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