Abstract
A number of instruments has been proposed purporting to measure the Type A Behavior Pattern and evidence suggests little agreement among the measures. In this paper data are presented on the convergent validity of three self-report measures, the Jenkins Activity Survey, Form C; the Adjective Check List, Type A Behavior Scale; and the Coronary-prone Behavior Attitudes scale. A consecutive series of 33 outpatients affected by angina pectoris from a cardiologic department were subjects. Treatment with beta-blockers led to exclusion of eight subjects so that final sample was of 25, whose mean age was 60.24 yr. Most were female (76%, n = 19) and blue collar workers (72%, n = 18). A significant correlation was shown between the scores of Jenkins Activity Survey and the other scales, except for Type A elements related to hard-driving attitudes and job situation. No correlation was found between scores on the Adjective Check List scale and on the Coronary-prone Behavior Attitudes scale. The data are discussed in the light of the complexity of Type A Behavior Pattern, supporting the hypothesis of the multidimensional nature of this phenomenon and in terms of sociodemographic characteristics of the group.
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