Type A behavior and marital interaction: hostile-dominant responses during conflict

J Behav Med. 1991 Dec;14(6):567-80. doi: 10.1007/BF00867171.

Abstract

Previous research has indicated that the risk conferred by men's Type A versus B behavior depends, in part, on the personality characteristics of their spouses. In the present study of 60 married couples, we found that couples consisting of two Structured Interview-defined Type A's showed a larger increase in hostile/dominant behavior during discussions of marital conflicts than did couples consisting of two Type B's or a Type A husband and a Type B wife. Couples consisting of a Type B husband and a Type A wife displayed an intermediate level of hostile dominance. These results are consistent with previous speculations about interpersonal dynamics in Type A behavior and interaction patterns which might underlie spouse effects on Type A behavior and coronary risk.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Conflict, Psychological*
  • Coronary Disease / psychology*
  • Dominance-Subordination*
  • Female
  • Hostility*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marriage / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Personality Assessment
  • Type A Personality*