Clash Between Type A and Type B Personality Traits
In the world of psychology, two personality types have been widely studied for their potential links to heart health: Type A and Type B.
Type A personality, characterised by traits such as hostility, competitiveness, and impatience, has historically been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This association stems from the stress-related behaviours that are commonly found in Type A individuals. However, recent research often focuses on related personality constructs like Type D (“distressed”) personality, which is strongly connected to cardiovascular risks.
Type D personality, involving negative affectivity (NA) and social inhibition, has shown stronger, more specific links to vascular dysfunction and coronary disease. The negative affectivity component appears particularly influential, suggesting that emotional distress and chronic psychological stress impact cardiovascular health.
Type A personality was first coined by cardiologists Meyer Friedman and Ray Rosenman in 1959, who used the term "behavior pattern A" to describe a particular pattern of emotions and actions people displayed. This pattern later became known as the Type A personality.
While Type A personality traits may have been linked to increased heart disease risk, more recent studies emphasize Type D personality traits. However, it's important to note that the American Psychological Association states that there is no solid evidence to suggest a direct link between Type A personality and an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
On the other hand, Type B personalities are typically easygoing and less prone to stress. They display low levels of competitiveness and do not become frustrated easily. Traits of a Type B personality can include being peaceful, relaxed, easygoing, and stress-free.
Interestingly, a 2017 study suggested that people with a Type A personality may be more at risk of stress and burnout compared to people with a Type B personality. Conversely, a 2019 study found that Type A personalities may achieve higher academic achievements.
Understanding personality types or tendencies may help people better navigate individual challenges with their studies, work, or health. For instance, people with Type A personalities, who are often highly goal-oriented and work toward deadlines at a fast pace, may benefit from strategies to manage stress and prevent stress-related health issues. Similarly, people with Type B personalities, who work steadily toward a goal without the sense of urgency a Type A personality may display, may find it helpful to set clear goals and deadlines to maintain productivity.
It's also worth noting that certain traits of a Type A personality, such as hostility, impatience, and anger, may be risk factors for high blood pressure and heart disease. Some psychotherapists use interviews and rating scales to determine whether people have Type A or Type B behaviour patterns, including the Friedman and Rosenman questions, Jenkins Activity Survey, Framingham Type A Scale, and Bortner Rating Scale.
Recent research suggests that impatience and hostility, two main components of a Type A personality, may increase the risk of high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. A 2018 review further supports this, highlighting these traits as significant risk factors.
In conclusion, while the link between Type A personality and heart disease has been debated, it's clear that emotional distress and psychosocial stress related to these personality types can contribute to heart disease via physiological stress mechanisms. Understanding these personality types can provide valuable insights into personal health and wellbeing.
- The negative affectivity component of Type D personality, involving emotional distress and chronic psychological stress, appears particularly influential in impacting cardiovascular health.
- Recent scientific research suggests that impatience and hostility, two main components of a Type A personality, may increase the risk of high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease.
- A study in 2017 indicated that people with a Type A personality may be more at risk of stress and burnout compared to people with a Type B personality.
- The health-and-wellness benefits of understanding personality types can extend to mental health as well, as managing stress-related health issues for Type A personalities and setting clear goals for productivity for Type B personalities.
