Toward the automated measurement of the type-A behavior pattern

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Medicine
• Cardiology

Background:

• Type A behavior pattern (TABP) is linked to increased coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
• The physiological mechanisms underlying this association require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between Type A/B behavior patterns and objective speech characteristics.
• To explore potential mediating variables, such as anxiety, in the TABP-CHD relationship.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-six structured interviews were analyzed using a semi-automated system for verbosity, voice volume, and speech pacing.
• Participants were rated on a 5-point Type A/B behavior pattern scale.
• Correlations and regression analyses were used to assess relationships between behavior ratings and speech metrics.

Main Results:

• Significant negative correlation between Type A/B ratings and reaction-time scores.
• Significant positive correlations between Type A/B ratings and voice volume and vocalization duration.
• A regression model using reaction-time and voice volume correctly classified 89% of Type A/B ratings.
• Interviewer and interviewee speech patterns were significantly correlated, highlighting the need for standardized interviewer style.

Conclusions:

• Speech characteristics objectively reflect Type A/B behavior patterns.
• Anxiety-arousal may mediate the link between Type A behavior and coronary heart disease.
• Standardizing interviewer techniques is crucial for reliable behavioral assessments.