While you have probably heard it used many times in conversation, you might not have known that the term ‘Type A personality’ originated in the medical field. The research that led to the Type A and Type B classifications stemmed from psychological studies conducted in the 1950s and 60s. Psychologists began with a question: why is heart disease a big killer in the West, but not the East? After thoroughly examining societies in both parts of the world, they came to an interesting conclusion. Basically, when comparing countries that are equal in terms of development (for instance, the United States and Japan), the only notable difference was stress. Workplaces in these areas were similar, but workers in Western countries were generally more competitive and anxious than their Eastern counterparts.
In the years since this initial cross-cultural research, countless studies have shown a connection with Type A personality traits and heart disease. Obviously, many different factors can cause heart disease (obesity, smoking, and heredity, just to name a few); in other words, there is no single definitive cause. That said, it has been shown that many people with heart disease have a common problem: they cannot effectively cope with stress. (In fact, Type A personalities often create or invent their own stress.) We generally think of stress as a psychological experience, but it also has significant physical effects. Just as being overweight causes your heart to work harder, stress exerts significant wear on the body.
So what, exactly, are the characteristics of a Type A personality? In layman’s terms, Type A people are extremely uptight. (Type B personalities, by contrast, are easy-going, relaxed and generally more content.) More specifically, Type A describes someone who consistently deals with the world in a hostile way. They might be preoccupied with success in an unhealthy sort of way (for instance, being overly competitive in every aspect of life). They are usually obsessed with time and are often impatient or in a hurry. They tend to feel a sense of urgency in situations that are not in fact urgent.
All of these Type A characteristics contribute to a persistent feeling of stress that is experienced both psychologically and physically. Severely stressed people feel mental strain, but they also might experience physical symptoms like an accelerated heart rate or high blood pressure. This combination of continued emotional and physical distress is, over time, extremely hard on a person’s health.
In terms of treatment, doctors have focused on behavioral therapy. Obviously, stress is a permanent fixture in the modern world; most people have to deal with it, and few can avoid it. Since stress prevention is not very practical, psychologists hope to teach Type A personalities better ways to cope with stress. Some of the methods they teach are easy enough to try at home: meditation, deep breathing, and exercise all help people to reduce their stress levels.
The bottom line: if you find yourself feeling angry and pressured all the time, you should find a way to chill out. You will feel happier and keep your heart healthy.
