Time Urgency and Imagery in the Type a Behavior Pattern

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between Type A Behavior Pattern, visual imagery, and ability for time estimation. 115 subjects filled out a questionnaire which assessed them for the presence of a visual imaginary representation of time and scores on Type A or B behavior. While completing the questionnaire, subjects made estimates of four timed intervals of 8 min., 22 sec. The treatment consisted of formal training in visual imagery representations between time estimates of intervals 3 and 4. Data were analyzed using a 2 × 2 × 4 mixed analysis of variance in which the subject variables (Type A/B, visual imaginary representation, and time estimate) were dichotomized using median splits. The dependent measures were accuracy scores for each of the four estimation trials. Subjects with training in visual imaginary representation estimated time more accurately; Type A subjects with training in visual imaginary representation were the most accurate. All subjects improved over the four trials, with greatest improvement following training in visual imaginary representation. The most consistent improvement in time estimates occurred in Type A subjects. Results replicated and extended previous findings associating visual imaginary representations with more accurate time perception, especially for individuals scoring as showing Type A behavior pattern.