What is a type A personality?
The term ‘Type A Personality’ is a commonly used term these days, but what exactly is it? Type A personality was identified by Friedman and Rosenman in 1974. Essentially, it is a particular set of traits or characteristics that a person possesses that lead to certain behaviors. Such behaviors may have particular consequences for the individual. Type A traits can essentially be divided into impatience, aggression, and competitiveness. Within each one we see particular samples of behavior.
Anxious
Being impatient means that Type A will get irritated by delays and by people they consider incompetent. They will demand that people hurry up. They are unable to relax and take a break and sit quietly doing nothing. It’s all a race to Type A, no matter what it is. As such, they are experts at multitasking.
Assault
The type A personality is prone to anger. They will become hostile to people who do not meet their high expectations.
competitiveness
Winning is very important and Type A will compete no matter who he’s up against. Recognition and advancement are very important and they will go out of their way to try to achieve as much as possible, as quickly as possible. However, Type A may feel dissatisfied as they constantly want to achieve more and more and sometimes their goals may be unrealistic. Although they may appear confident, Type A’s may have self-doubt.
Risks Associated with a Type A Personality
Given the very nature of the type A personality, it is not surprising that it has associated health risks. Studies suggest that coronary heart disease, blood clots, and high cholesterol are health risks for people with Type A personalities. They may also be more likely to have a heart attack. However, some research has suggested that the only risk is for those people who show anger and hostility.
The demands of the Type A personality mean that they will be susceptible to increased stress and as such will be at risk of the associated problems.
Identify if you are type A
Take a look at the description above of the behaviors associated with a Type A personality. Do you recognize these behaviors within yourself? It is possible to reduce or change the behaviors associated with a Type A personality.
tips
If you’re worried about the Type A characteristics you’re displaying and aren’t satisfied with who you are, take a look at the tips below to help balance your life.
- Learn to manage your anger.
- Learn to resolve conflicts effectively.
- Learn stress management skills.
- Take time to reflect.
- Decelerate.
- Listen to others.
- Redefine your definition of success.
- Consider making lifestyle changes (for example, work, exercise, diet).
- Set realistic goals to help give yourself a sense of accomplishment.