Note on Type A behavior and cardiovascular responses to challenge in 3-6-yr old children

Using the MYTH-scale [1], the antecedents of Type A behavior were studied in fifteen healthy 3-6-yr old boys. Boys with scores above ('Type A') and below ('Type B') the median were compared in terms of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate during rest, and during 'emotional' and 'physical' challenge. It was found that 'Type A boys' responded to challenge with a greater increase in systolic blood pressure than 'Type B boys' (significant during physical challenge), while there were no differences during the rest condition. Diastolic blood pressure and heart rate did not differ markedly between the groups.