Relationship between JAS- and FTAS-Type A behavior and non-CHD illness: a prospective study controlling for negative...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Medicine
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Type A behavior is a known risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).
• Previous research on Type A behavior and non-CHD illness relied on retrospective self-reports, often not controlling for negative affectivity.
• Negative affectivity can confound the relationship between reported illness and personality traits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively investigate the relationship between Type A behavior and subsequent illness.
• To assess the influence of chronic negative affectivity on this relationship.
• To determine if Type A behavior predicts objective measures of illness severity and healthcare utilization.

Main Methods:

• An 18-month prospective study design.
• Assessment of Type A behavior using the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) and Framingham Type A Scale (FTAS).
• Measurement of chronic negative affectivity and objective medical records of illness.

Main Results:

• Type A behavior, measured by JAS and FTAS, significantly predicted subsequent illness severity and number of illness-related medical visits.
• Negative affectivity was associated with retrospective self-reported illness but did not mediate the Type A-illness relationship.
• The predictive power of Type A behavior for objective illness measures remained significant after controlling for negative affectivity.

Conclusions:

• Type A behavior, as assessed by JAS and FTAS, is a significant predictor of minor illnesses over a 1-year period or longer.
• Objective measures of illness confirm Type A behavior as a risk factor, independent of negative affectivity.
• Further research is needed to explore alternative explanations and long-term implications.