The Validity of the Jenkins Activity Survey in Terms of Illness and Work

Abstract

The Type A Behaviour Pattern (TABP) and the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS), as a means of operationalizing it, are described. The JAS is a measure of the ‘pressured drive’ component of the TABP and is related only poorly to the Structured Interview, which is usually considered as the standard méasure of the TABP. Literature on the JAS and coronary heart disease (CHD) is reviewed first. Cross-sectional studies provided favourable validation but not so prospective studies. A number of large-scale prospective studies with consistently negative findings are viewed as inconclusive for sampling reasons. Overall, the results discourage use of the JAS as a predictor of CHD. Next, data on the JAS and illness in general, as well as accidents and injuries, are reviewed and moderate support for the relationship is found. Lastly, the relationship of the JAS to occupational and productivity criteria is reviewed and fairly strong ties are highlighted. A number of alternative measures and more sophisticated research designs are proposed.