Self-regulation and Type A behavior

Abstract

Several authors have suggested that self-regulation processes (i.e., high standards for success, self-criticism) underlie Type A behavior. The present three studies examine the self-regulation approach to Type A. Study I found that Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) scores were correlated with trait measures of high standards for success, self-criticism, and positive expectancies for success. Further, this self-regulation profile was distinct from that associated with dysphoria. Study II replicated these self-regulation findings for the JAS and demonstrated similar though weaker relationships when Type A behavior was assessed with the Type A structured interview (SI). The Framingham Type A Scale (FTAS), however, was associated with dysphoric self-regulation processes. Study III examined the influence of situational standards for performance on self-regulation behaviors. JAS-defined Type As were less satisfied with their task performances than were Type Bs, but only when situational standards were lacking. FTAS-defined Type As were less satisfied than were Type Bs, but their dissatisfaction was constant across conditions. SI-defined Type A behavior was unrelated to situational self-regulation responses. Thus, these results suggest that the self-regulation approach may provide a useful account of the Type A behaviors assessed by the JAS, but also that it may not be an accurate model of other aspects of the Type A pattern.