Work limitations, business maintenance, and demoralization in self-employed individuals with cardiac diseases

Objective: Self-employed individuals managing chronic illnesses such as cardiac diseases are at heightened risk for psychological distress. This study aimed to examine the relationship between work limitations resulting from cardiac disease and demoralization, and to test whether the perceived difficulty of maintaining one’s business mediates this association. Results: Greater work limitations were associated with higher levels of demoralization among self-employed individuals with cardiac disease. This relationship was partially mediated by the perceived difficulty in maintaining one’s business. The findings highlight the psychological burden tied to occupational instability in the context of chronic illness. These results suggest the need for targeted support services and policy interventions to address the specific vulnerabilities of self-employed individuals facing health challenges.