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Physiological reactivity and Type A behavior in preschool children: a longitudinal study
U Lundberg1, B Rasch, O Westermark
1Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Sweden.
Behavioral Medicine (Washington, D.C.)
|January 1, 1991
Summary
This study found no consistent link between Type A behavior and physiological arousal in preschool children. While boys showed higher Type A scores, their physiological reactivity varied, suggesting no stable connection.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Type A behavior pattern is linked to cardiovascular disease in adults.
- The relationship between Type A behavior and physiological reactivity in young children is not well-established.
- Understanding early behavioral traits and their physiological correlates is crucial for preventative health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Type A behavior and physiological reactivity (cardiovascular and neuroendocrine) in preschool children.
- To examine if this relationship is consistent over time and across different active conditions.
- To determine if gender influences the Type A behavior-physiological reactivity link.
Main Methods:
- Assessed Type A behavior using a validated scale in 60 preschool children (30 male, 30 female) aged 3.5-6.5 years.
- Measured physiological arousal including blood pressure, heart rate, urinary catecholamines, and cortisol during active conditions.
- Analyzed correlations between Type A scores and physiological reactivity measures over multiple time points.
Main Results:
- Physiological arousal increased significantly during active conditions for most variables, except cortisol.
- Boys scored significantly higher on Type A behavior than girls, with scores remaining relatively stable.
- Correlations between Type A scores and cardiovascular reactivity were largely non-significant, with few exceptions.
- No significant correlations were found between Type A scores and catecholamine reactivity.
Conclusions:
- The study does not support a consistent relationship between Type A behavior and physiological reactivity in preschool children.
- Physiological reactivity was not found to be a stable individual characteristic in this age group.
- A potential association may exist during specific "Type A-relevant" challenges, as suggested by a correlation during a computer game in boys.