The relation of the type a behaviour pattern, factors of the structured interview, and anger to survival after myocardial infarction

Abstract

The Type A behaviour pattern remains poorly defined and difficult to measure. The Structured Interview (SI) is generally regarded as the best measure of Type A, with predictive validity for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). The present study reports the findings of factor analyses of the SI in a large clinical sample aimed at investigating its stability across employment status, the contribution of speech style to Type A classification, and its relationship to CHD endpoints of nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) and death. Furthermore, it examines the role of trait anger in relation to Type A classification and CHD. Factor analysis of item content revealed three clear factors, namely (a) hard-driving, hurried behaviour, (b) impatience, and (c) anger. Inclusion of speech characteristics yielded a fourth factor. The factor structure remained essentially unchanged across employment status. Speech style, in particular “potential for hostility” and “speed”, has a strong influence on Type A ratings. Neither the SI factors nor trait anger were related to death or reinfarction in me 12 months following an acute MI.