Cognitive correlates of the Type A Coronary-Prone Behavior Pattern

The present study investigated the relationship between the Type A Coronary-Prone Behavior Pattern and two measures of self-relevant cognitions: Ellis's (1962) irrational beliefs, and private and public self-consciousness (Fenigstein, Scheier, & Buss, 1975). The Type A pattern was found consistently to be negatively correlated with a belief in the value of avoiding problems and responsibilities. For males, the Type A pattern was also correlated with irrational beliefs about self-standards for achievement and perfectionism. For females, the Type A pattern was correlated with private self-consciousness and beliefs involving overreaction to frustration and anxious overconcern about potential problems. The results are discussed in terms of the relationship of these cognitive variables to the behavioral components of the Type A pattern and the implications of such relationships for potential cognitive interventions.The authors wish to thank Allison Baker and Jim Pendleton for their help in conducting the study.