Type A personality: what it is, associated risks and useful tips

What is a type A personality?

The term ‘Type A Personality’ is a commonly used term these days, but what exactly is it? Type A personality was identified by Friedman and Rosenman in 1974. Essentially, it is a particular set of traits or characteristics that a person possesses that lead to certain behaviors. Such behaviors may have particular consequences for the individual. Type A traits can essentially be divided into impatience, aggression, and competitiveness. Within each we see particular displays of behavior.

Anxious

Being impatient means Type A will chafe at delays and people they consider to be incompetent. They will demand people to hurry up. They are unable to relax and take a break and sit quietly doing nothing. It’s all a race to Type A, no matter what it is. As such, they are experts at multitasking.

Assault

The Type A personality is prone to anger. They will become hostile towards people who do not live up to their high expectations.

competitiveness

Winning is very important and Type A will compete no matter who they are up against. Recognition and advancement are very important and they will go above and beyond to try to achieve as much as possible, as quickly as possible. However, Type A may feel dissatisfied as they constantly want to achieve more and more and sometimes their goals may not be realistic. Although they may appear confident, Type A’s may have self-doubts.

Risks Associated with a Type A Personality

Given the very nature of the Type A personality, it is not surprising that it has associated health risks. Studies suggest that coronary heart disease, blood clots, and high cholesterol are health risks for people with Type A personalities. They may also be more prone to having a heart attack. However, some research has suggested that the only risk is to those who display anger and hostility.

The demands of the Type A personality mean that they will be susceptible to increased stress and as such are at risk of the associated problems.

Identify if you are type A

Take a look at the above description of the behaviors associated with a Type A personality. Do you recognize these behaviors within yourself? It is possible to reduce or change the behaviors associated with a Type A personality.

Tips

If you’re concerned about the Type A characteristics you’re displaying and aren’t satisfied with who you are, take a look at the following tips to help balance your life.

• Learn to manage your anger.
• Learn to resolve conflicts effectively.
• Learn stress management skills.
• Take time to reflect.
• Decelerate.
• Listen to others.
• Redefine your definition of success.
• Consider making lifestyle changes (eg, work, exercise, diet).
• Set realistic goals to help you get a sense of accomplishment.