Related Experiment Videos
Social support, type A behavior, and coronary artery disease
Psychosomatic Medicine
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Type A behavior is linked to more severe coronary artery disease (CAD) in individuals with low social support. Social support may mitigate the health impacts of Type A behavior patterns.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychology
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Type A behavior pattern is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- The moderating role of social support in this relationship requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the interaction between Type A behavior and social support in relation to coronary artery disease (CAD) severity.
- To determine if social support influences the association between Type A behavior and CAD.
Main Methods:
- 113 patients undergoing coronary angiography were assessed.
- Type A behavior was evaluated using the Type A Structured Interview (SI).
- Social support was measured using the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS).
Main Results:
- A significant interaction was found between Type A behavior and social support.
- Type A individuals with low social support exhibited more severe CAD.
- This association between social support and CAD severity was not observed in Type B individuals.
Conclusions:
- Social support appears to moderate the long-term health consequences of Type A behavior.
- Low social support exacerbates the risk associated with Type A behavior for CAD.
- Interventions aimed at increasing social support may be beneficial for Type A individuals at risk for CAD.