Modifying Type A in a Nonclinical Population of Polish Managers

Abstract

Type A is widely treated as a risk of diseases (mostly coronary heart diseases) and stress, including occupational stress. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of intervention in modifying Type A in 25 managers in comparison with 38 Type A controls, who did not participate in the intervention. Additionally, the usefulness of the intervention was analysed when reactivity, as a temperamental dimension of Type A participants, was taken into account. High reactivity of Type A persons was assumed here as the presumed cause of the negative consequences in their health and well-being.

The results showed a significant reduction in stress-related emotional symptoms, like depression, anxiety, anger, self-esteem, positive affects due to the intervention. These changes with the reduction in work ambiguity were greater in high reactive Type As than in low reactive ones.

• Type A
• reactivity
• occupational stress
• well-being
• perceived role stress