ABSTRACT

The Type A behavior pattern is usually described in terms of ambition, excessively high performance standards, hard-driving behavior, competitiveness, time urgency, impatience, aggressiveness, hostility, certain speech and motor characteristics related to speed, and a constant need for control over the environment (Friedman & Rosenman, 1974; Matthews, 1982; Price, 1982). Glass (1977) conceived of the Type A pattern as a set of coping behaviors specifically developed in order to maintain control. Seen in this light, time urgency, hard-driving behavior, and aggressiveness would reflect a general mastery orientation meant to gain and keep control over one’s life.