Sex-Role Orientation and Type A Behavior

Abstract

In Western society, rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) are generally lower for women than for men. CHD has been found to be related to the Type A behavior pattern in both men and women. The similarity of stereotypic masculine traits to traits exhibited by those who are Type A was noted, and it was hypothesized that masculinity would be positively associated with Type A behavior whereas femininity would not. Type A scores were compared for males and females who were either high or low in masculinity and high or low in femininity. Masculinity was the only factor significantly related to Type A scores.