You know the "type:" So-called “Type A” personalities are hard-charging, determined to compete and to win. Combining traits such as drive and impatience, Type A was once thought to be related to heart disease—an association that has since been challenged. “Type B” was proposed as the more easygoing, tolerant personality , in contrast to Type A.
Type A, Type B, and Type C
Type A personality (or Type A Behavior) was originally described not by personality psychologists but by cardiologists, who thought that people who showed such personalities were at greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Type B personality was conceived as a less-intense personality type . A “Type C” was later proposed as a predictor of cancer risk. There is now ample reason to doubt that these supposed personality types are in fact correlated with disease progression.
Type A has been described as a behavioral pattern involving impatience and a sense of time-related pressure, irritability, and a competitive drive.
Physicians Meyer Friedman and R.H. Rosenman originated the concept in the 1950s after reportedly observing a connection between heart disease in patients and certain personality characteristics.
Individuals whose personality traits resonate with the “Type A” description—including characteristics like hostility—could potentially experience interpersonal difficulties as a result. But the more striking claims about Type A personality, namely that it is linked to heart disease, have been undermined by subsequent research as well as revelations about the role of tobacco industry funding in research on Type A.
Explore More About Type A and Type B Personality Theory
For a comprehensive understanding of type a and type b personality theory, read our complete guide: