Abstract
Previous research has shown a relationship between Cook-Medley Hostility (Ho) and coronary heart disease. It has been suggested that the Ho scale measures ‘cynical hostility’ rather than overt hostile behavior. A person high on cynical hostility should be more distrustful of others and experience more stress than an individual who is lower on cynical hostility. The present study analyses the inner structure and validity of the Cook-Medley Ho scale using university undergraduates as respondents. Results of factor analyses revealed the existence of a general factor which centered around cynicism and distrust. The sum of nine items loading above 0.40 on the first rotated factor in the factor analysis can be used as a reliable and valid measure of cynical distrust. A positive correlation between this factor and scores on the Jackson and Messick (1970) Cynicism scale supports the hypothesis that Cook-Medley Hostility is primarily a measure of cynical distrust. The results have several implications for the relationship between hostility and disease. If, as the data suggest, cynicism is the central concept being assessed in the Cook-Medley scale, the relationship between Cook-Medley Ho and coronary heart disease may be mediated by an interpersonal deficit. Since a highly cynical person may be less receptive to social support, this would lead to social isolation, a potential link between cynical distrust and disease. Further analyses revealed significant sex differences in the pattern of correlations between ‘cynical distrust’ and Anger/In and Anger/Out scores. Cynical distrust was positively correlated with Anger/Out in men and with Anger/In in women. These differences are discussed from a gender–role perspective.
Published Version
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