Personality Type A and B

Question 1

What is personality?

Answer 1

A set of characteristics, attitudes, behaviours and temperament

Question 2

What are the characteristics of a type A personality?

Answer 2

• always in a hurry
• unhappy doing nothing
• multi tasking
• constantly set deadlines
• always play to win
• ambitious
• aggressive
• easily irritated and impatient with others
• easily angered

Question 3

What are the characteristics of a type B personality?

Answer 3

• the opposite of type A
• more laid back
• tolerant of others in most situations
• patient
• relaxed
• easy going
• not driven to achieve perfection
• less hostile

Question 4

What personality type is associated with higher risk of hypertension and CVDs?

Answer 4

Type A

Question 5

Who conducted research into personality types A and B?

Answer 5

Friedman and Rosenman

Question 6

What was the method of the research into personality types?

Answer 6

Conducted a longitudinal correlational study in California involving 3500 men aged between 39 and 59, who were all well at the start of the study. Their behaviour was analysed using structured interviews during which they were frustrated to be interrupted. Observations were also used to assess body language and tapping the table when impatient, as an indicationk of type A. They were also assessed for impatience (sitting on the edge of their seat), competitiveness and motivation for success

Question 7

What were the findings and conclusion of the study onto personality type A and B?

Answer 7

After 8 years, 7% of the men developed CHD and of this 7% over 70% were men with a type A personality. Type A were two and a half times more likely to suffer from CHD. 12% of men with a type A personality had a heart attack compared to 6% with a type B personality. Twice as many men with a type A died of cardiovascular problems. This shows that there is a link between personality and an increased risk of developing stress related illness

Question 8

What are four strengths of research into type A and type B personality?

Answer 8

• volunteers gave informed consent and were debriefed at the end of the study
• findings have been supported by other studies
• high ecological validity as real life experiences were investigated
• practical applications

Question 9

What are three limitations of research into type A and B personality?

Answer 9

• some studies have failed to find a link
• sampling issues as all males and only relevant to western industrialised urban societies
• correlational method was used so no cause and effect established