Type A behavior pattern, sex role orientation, and psychological adjustment

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Social Psychology

Background:

• The Type A behavior pattern, characterized by competitiveness and hostility, was initially considered adaptive.
• However, its adaptiveness may depend on an individual's sex role orientation.
• A lack of a masculine sex role orientation may hinder the successful functioning of Type A individuals, especially in interpersonal contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between Type A behavior, sex role orientation, and psychological adjustment.
• To explore whether a low masculine sex role orientation exacerbates negative outcomes for Type A individuals.
• To examine gender differences in the manifestation of these effects.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted with 213 college students.
• Participants' Type A behavior patterns and sex role orientations were assessed.
• Measures of social self-esteem, social anxiety, and depression were utilized.

Main Results:

• A Type A behavioral style combined with a low masculine sex role orientation was associated with lower social self-esteem.
• This combination also correlated with higher social anxiety and depression.
• These maladjustment tendencies were more pronounced in women than in men.

Conclusions:

• The findings support the hypothesis that Type A behavior is maladaptive in the absence of a strong masculine sex role orientation.
• Interpersonal functioning appears particularly vulnerable to this interaction.
• Cultural expectations regarding gender roles may influence the expression of psychological distress in Type A individuals.