The relationship between the Myers-Briggs type indicator and self-reported type A behavior

The purpose of this study was to detect significant relationships between the Type A behavior pattern and Jungian types.

The Type A behavior pattern describes a style of behaving that has been significantly linked to coronary heart disease. The Type B behavior pattern is defined by its relative absence of Type A characteristics. The Jenkins Activity Survey is one instrument that was designed to assess the presence of the Type A (or Type B) behavior pattern. For this study, items were chosen from the Jenkins Activity Survey. A varimax factorial loading analysis indicated that these items contributed significantly to individual assessment on the Type A/B continuum. These items were then placed in the form of self-statements and each of the 267 high school seniors who volunteered for the study was requested to rate him/herself on the accurateness of each statement for him/herself.

The other instrument used in the study was the Myers-Briggs Tyce Indicator. This instrument is based on Jung's theory of Type and characterizes an individual as either extraverted or introverted, sensing or intuitive, thinking or feeling, and judging or perceiving.

The data from the research was analyzed using both a bivariate correction procedure and a multiple regression procedure. In the bivariate analysis Type A behavior correlated significantly with extra verted and judging types. Type B behavior correlated significantly with introverted and percepting types. In the multiple regression analysis Type A behavior correlated significantly with extraversion, intuition, and judging. Type B behavior correlated significantly with introversion, sensing, and percepting.

The results of the study suggest that certain Jungian types may tend to be significantly more at risk for the development of coronary heart disease than others.