ABSTRACT
The study reported in this chapter concerns the relationship between coronary heart disease (CHD), the Type A behavior pattern (TABP), and pessimistic explanatory style. As part of the Recurrent Coronary Prevention Program (RCPP) 120 men who suffered a first heart attack gave a videotaped interview. These interviews were coded for pessimism using a content analysis of the explanations offered for events in their lives. Within 8½ years, half of these men had died from coronary events. Pessimism at the time of the interview predicted cardiac death independently of initial damage to the heart, TABP, and traditional risk factors.
