Type A Behaviour And Pressor Response In Asymptomatic Middle-Aged Men

The association of pressor response with type A behaviour was investigated to identify factors underlying the inconsistent results of previous studies. Three aspects of procedure were considered comprising sample, type A measurement and type of challenge. A proper random sample of 95 men asymptomatic for ischaemic heart disease was assessed for type A behaviour using the Structured Interview, Jenkins Activity Survey, Framingham and Bortner scales. Pressor response from rest was assessed during a high social challenge task (the Structured Interview) and a low social challenge task (a difficult vigilance task). Pressor response was associated with type A behaviour only during the high social challenge task irrespective of method of type A assessment. It is concluded that the critical factor underlying inconsistent findings in this area is not lack of relationship or invalid type A measurement but the use of invalid tasks. © 1992, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.