A Perspective on Type A Behavior and Coronary Disease

Abstract

Observations linking Type A behavior to coronary artery disease have never been accepted without controversy; indeed, some may wonder whether the "A" in Type A stands for "acrimony." The article by Ragland and Brand¹ in this issue of the Journal presents such a startling conclusion that it is appropriate to reassess the legacy of studies on Type A behavior.Beginning in the 1950s, Friedman and Rosenman² and their followers have argued energetically that persons with the Type A personality (hard-driving, competitive, aggressive people who find it difficult to relax) are at higher risk for the development of coronary disease. Numerous . . .