As discussed in your textbook, the notion of Type A behavior was first reported about 35 years ago by cardiologists Meyer Friedman and Ray Rosenman. Friedman and Rosenman observed that many of their cardiac patients shared traits that are now known as the Type A behavior pattern. These individuals demonstrated an exaggerated sense of time urgency, a general sense of hostility, and an intense ambition and competitiveness. Although the characteristics of the Type A behavior pattern were believed to predict heart disease, follow-up research revealed that it was only one aspect of this behavior pattern that was predictive of health problems—specifically, hostility.
Question
1
Explain why hostility predisposes people to health problems, including heart disease.
Question
2
What is the Type B behavior pattern, and what are some characteristics associated with this pattern?
Question
3
Search online for a description of the Type C and Type D personality/behavior patterns. Summarize these personality styles/behavior patterns, including how they contribute to health and well-being. Include the URL for the website that you used to locate this information.
Search online for a description of the Type C and Type D personality/behavior patterns. Summarize these personality styles/behavior patterns, including how they contribute to health and well-being. Include the URL for the website that you used to locate this information.
Question
4
Locate a free online assessment of personality types. The assessment should include an evaluation of Type A and Type B traits, but it can also evaluate Type C and Type D personality traits. Summarize your results. According to the test, what personality type best describes you? Do you agree or disagree with the results? Explain.
Question
5
Based on research presented in the textbook, the information you found to answer Question 3, and the results of your personality test, do you have traits that may predict later health problems? If so, describe them. If you are at risk, what strategies can you use to reduce negative responses to stress?
Question
6
Because of their attitudes and behavior, hostile men and women tend to
A.
B.
C.
D.
Question
7
People who are described as relaxed and laid-back tend to be classified as displaying
A.
B.
C.
D.
Question
8
Individuals with the Type ___ behavior pattern are at heightened risk for cancer.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Question
9
According to your textbook, how might personality factors indirectly lead to disease?
Research shows that personality factors may indirectly lead to disease via poor health habits. For instance, low conscientiousness, high sensation seeking, and high extraversion predict poor health habits. These habits, in turn, are associated with higher rates of illness.