Measuring cognitive structure within type A individuals

Throughout the past decade much research has been conducted in determining underlying cognitive correlates to the behavioral phenomenon known as the Type A (coronaryprone) behavior pattern. Recently, several therapeutic attempts at altering coronary-proneness have developed. Many of these rely on simplistic definitions of the attitudes determining the bases for Type A behaviors. The present research demonstrates the complexity of the underlying beliefs and attitudes governing categorized behaviors. Other variables such as self-efficacy, attributional style, self-monitoring thoughts, impatience, and competitiveness, have been included in order to determine if a cognitive style is prevalent for Type As. Many of the results point to the necessity for further research; however, the general conclusion is that persuasive attempts would be better served by examining in finer detail the belief systems of Type As as well as the underlying dimensions of the coronary-prone behavioral pattern through experiment rather than theoretical speculation. Overviews of the Type A behavior pattern, current modification therapies, and the cognitive social learning theory for the development and perpetuation of the pattern have been discussed.