Self-employment, perceived ageism, and stress among older adults

We draw on the Conservation of Resources Theory of work and four studies based on self-reports and biomarkers to assess differences in psychological well-being between employed and self-employed senior individuals. Results of our study indicated that self-employed individuals over 50 report lower stress during work-related activity and lower biomarker-based stress levels at bedtime. Furthermore, we show that when compared to employed senior individuals, perceived ageism leads to less psychological distress among self-employed senior individuals. Additionally, we find that work enjoyment, but not work absorption or intrinsic work motivation, buffered the negative relationship between perceived ageism and psychological distress. The protective effect of work enjoyment was stronger among self-employed senior individuals compared to employed senior individuals. Our research holds implications for the development of interventions and work engagements that can help to promote mental health and well-being in senior working individuals.