Type A behaviour and the healthy individual.
The Type A behaviour pattern (TABP) is an interesting and controversial construct that has generated debate, empirical testing, and behavioural modification attempts. TABP is depicted as consisting of impatient or hurried behaviour, a strong orientation toward work responsibilities and task completion, and intensive competitive behaviour in situations that involve evaluation. Recently, the importance of what is called the anger/hostility dimension has been emphasized in research studies. After more than two decades of debate, testing, and attempting to modify the entire TABP there is now a growing acceptance of the proposition that a major overhaul or change in the TABP is not necessary or even feasible. The Type A person is also now being presented as possessing many desirable characteristics and healthy behaviours that are worth reinforcing. The present paper provides a brief review of the contradictory research evidence surrounding the Type A syndrome. Theorists, researchers, and organizational practitioners are encouraged to seek improvements in understanding the TABP through improved assessment and how it can be modified in generally healthy individuals. A theoretical model to guide improvement efforts in measurement and intervention is provided as a viable framework to examine causal pathways between antecedents, Type A core behaviours, responses, and consequences.
Ivancevich
J M
JM
College of Business Administration, University of Houston, Texas 77004.
Matteson
M T
MT
D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D004526:Efficiency; D005260:Female; D006791:Hostility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology; D014434:Type A Personality