Response to stress, cognitive coping strategies, and the type A behavior pattern

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Type A behavior pattern is linked to increased risk of premature heart disease.
• Understanding the psychophysiological responses of Type A individuals is crucial for risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Type A vs. Type B psychophysiological arousal to different stressors (self-esteem threat vs. shock).
• To examine stress level impact on Type A/B psychophysiological response differences.
• To compare cognitive coping strategies (suppression, denial) between Type A and Type B individuals.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-four college males participated.
• Psychophysiological measures (pulse rate, blood pressure) were recorded under varying stress conditions.
• Cognitive coping strategies were assessed.

Main Results:

• Type A individuals showed higher pulse rates and blood pressure, especially with self-esteem threat.
• Type A subjects utilized more suppression and denial coping mechanisms than Type B subjects.
• Differences in psychophysiological responses were more pronounced under high stress conditions.

Conclusions:

• Type A behavior is associated with greater psychophysiological reactivity to psychological stressors.
• Distinct cognitive coping patterns differentiate Type A and Type B individuals.
• These findings contribute to understanding the physiological pathways linking Type A behavior to cardiovascular risk.