The dimensionality of Type A behavior within a stressful work simulation

J Pers. 1992 Sep;60(3):533-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-6494.1992.tb00919.x.

Abstract

The present study was conducted to examine the dimensionality of overt Type A behaviors elicited in a simulated stressful work environment. University students played a managerial role while being subjected to time and work-load pressures, and completed the Survey of Work Styles (SWS; Jackson & Gray, 1989). Eighteen behaviors, coded by two raters based on audiovisual recordings, yielded relatively high interrater reliabilities. Principal components analysis revealed four primary factors: Hurriedness, Irritability, Tension of the Lower Extremities, and Restlessness. These factors contribute to an understanding of Type A behavior in that they are the first to be derived from a purely observational approach rather than a combination of observational and self-report methods. Consistent with previous research, differential correlations between the factors and the SWS subscales supported a multi-dimensional interpretation of the Type A behavior pattern. Present findings are compared to those of previous studies of Type A dimensionality.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Competitive Behavior
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Male
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Students / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Type A Personality*
  • Work*