The demand-control model: Specific demands, specific control, and well-defined groups

The purpose of this study was to test the Demand-Control Model (DCM), accom panied by three goals. Firstly, we used alternative, more focused, and mult ifaceted measures of both job demands and job control that are relevant and applicable to today's working concerts. Secondly, this study intended to f ocus on particular demands in human services work and to incorporate these demands in the DCM. Finally, this occupation-based study investigated relat ively large well-defined subgroups compared to a total sample. Workers from five human service sectors (n = 2,485) were included in a cross-sectional survey (i.e., health care, transport, bank/insurance, retail trade, and war ehouse). Results showed that job demands and job control are able to show s everal interaction effects on employee well-being and health, but only in s pecific occupational groups. In conclusion, the current findings provide re newed empirical support for the view that high-strain jobs (high demand, lo w control) are conducive to ill health (i.e., emotional exhaustion, psychos omatic health complaints). Further, it appears that active jobs (high deman ds, high control) give rise to positive outcomes (i.e., job challenge, job satisfaction).