The following analysis focuses on the work ability and vitality of various professional groups. In a first step it was examined whether occupational group differences with regard to these characteristics can be detected at all. In a second step, the analysis focused on the (test) validity or quality of the data collection instruments, which are mainly used for the assessment of work ability and vitality. Finally, the association between potential influencing variables and the two outcome variables work ability and vitality was checked. This procedure was also carried out within different occupational strata.

For the first step, descriptive statistics were used for the comparison of five professional groups. The quality of the instruments has been assessed by using various scaling approaches (reliability testing, factor analysis, multidimensional scaling) and the effects of determinants onto the outcomes were tested by regression analysis.

Both the working ability and the vitality were sensitive to the occupational group differences. A satisfactory level of test accuracy was demonstrated in particular for the work ability. This is contrasted by low inter-item associations which can not be interpreted in terms of construct homogeneity regarding the concept of vitality. The regression analysis identified subjective resilience, the reward component of the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) and physical health as relevant determinants.

Please download the complete report "Work- and health-related determinants of vitality and work ability" (in German only).