Psychophysiological arousal related to Type A components in adolescent boys

Scand J Psychol. 1995 Jun;36(2):142-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9450.1995.tb00975.x.

Abstract

The association between psychophysiological responses (heart rate, skin conductance and blood volume) and Type A behavior was studied in adolescent boys (n = 48) in computer-controlled experiments. Although psychophysiological arousal was related to the type of stress-evoking element, task-specificity did not result in significant psychophysiological differences between Type As and Nontype As. The indication is that physiological arousal may be a constitutional characteristic of Type A behavior. The multidimensionality of type A behavior must be considered in any investigation examining the psychophysiological Type A-Nontype A differences. Different Type A dimensions, together with previously found psychological differences, were related to specific psychophysiological reactions.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arousal / physiology*
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Galvanic Skin Response / physiology
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personality Development*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Psychophysiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Type A Personality*