Objective
We evaluate psychometric properties of a short version of the original effort–reward imbalance (ERI) questionnaire. This measure
is of interest in the context of assessing stressful work conditions in the era of economic globalization.
Methods
In a representative sample of 10,698 employed men and women participating in the longitudinal Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP)
in Germany, a short version of the ERI questionnaire was included in the 2006 panel wave. Structural equation modeling and
logistic regression analysis were applied.
Results
In addition to satisfactory internal consistency of scales, a model representing the theoretical structure of the scales provided
the best data fit in a competitive test (RMSEA = 0.059, CAIC = 4124.19). Scoring high on the ERI scales was associated with
elevated risks of poor self-rated health.
Conclusions
This short version of the ERI questionnaire reveals satisfactory psychometric properties, and can be recommended for further
use in research and practice.
Keywords Effort - Reward imbalance - Psychometric properties - Short version - Work stress - Economic globalization