What are psychosocial risk factors for entrepreneurs to become unfit for work? A qualitative exploration.

The sample was recruited via researchers' networks, which may introduce bias. No participants were entrepreneurs out of necessity, potentially skewing the perception of risk factors. Educational level was not recorded, but most participants appeared highly educated, limiting generalizability to all entrepreneurs. The study was conducted in the Netherlands, where specific labor laws (such as sick pay entitlements) may influence stress levels differently than in other countries. Qualitative findings describe perceived risks and traits but do not prove that these factors cause work disability or that the identified traits prevent it.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was part of a project to develop a screening tool (WBI) for entrepreneurs, funded by the researchers' institution (VU University Medical Center).

Do not interpret the identified personality traits as evidence that possessing them prevents work disability. The study reports what entrepreneurs perceive as helpful for coping, but it does not demonstrate that these traits are effective protective factors or that interventions targeting them will improve health outcomes.