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The relation between type A behavior and chronic emotional distress: a meta-analysis
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Type A behavior is linked to emotional distress, particularly when measured by self-report scales. However, this association is not in the pathological range and varies by assessment method.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Health Psychology
Background:
- The Type A behavior pattern has been historically linked to health outcomes.
- Previous research has explored the connection between Type A behavior and psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analyze the relationship between Type A behavior and chronic emotional distress.
- To investigate how different assessment methods for Type A behavior influence this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of existing studies was performed.
- Effect sizes were aggregated across studies examining Type A behavior and emotional distress.
- Studies were partitioned based on the Type A assessment tool used (Structured Interview vs. self-report).
Main Results:
- A moderate positive association (average effect size .27) was found between Type A behavior and chronic dysphoria.
- Self-report measures of Type A behavior showed moderate correlations with emotional upset.
- Type A behavior assessed via Structured Interview was unrelated to chronic dysphoric emotions.
- The Framingham Type A Scale and Bortner Scale demonstrated the strongest correlations.
Conclusions:
- Contrary to some traditional views, self-reported Type A behavior is associated with some emotional distress, though not pathological.
- The findings have implications for understanding personality, coronary risk, and illness complaints.
- The study highlights the importance of considering the measurement tool when examining Type A behavior.
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