Metrological study of psychological questionnaires with reference to social variables: the Belgian Heart Disease...

In the framework of a controlled trial on the multifactorial prevention of coronary heart disease, two measures of type A behavior--determined by the Bortner scale and the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS)--and one personality questionnaire--the Sandler Hazary Questionnaire and Eysenck Personality Inventory (SHEPI)--were used. Their interrelations and relations with social variables are analyzed. It appears that the Bortner scale and the JAS do not measure the overall syndrome of the coronary-prone behavior pattern (CPBP), but similar and different specific aspects of it. There exists a direct relation of the Bortner score, JAS-AB, JAS'-S, and JAS-J with the study level and the socioprofessional class. Neuroticism or emotional hyperreactivity determined by the SHEPI is highly correlated with these scores. No or small relations of social variables with personality traits are found.