Note on arousing type A persons by depriving them of work

Healthy subjects classified as Type A and Type B persons on the basis of a questionnaire measuring coronary-prone behavior were compared in terms of psychophysiological arousal during periods of inactivity and strenuous mental work. Type B subjects were more aroused during work than during inactivity in terms of catecholamine and cortisol excretion and heart rate, whereas Type As showed a tendency to be equally aroused, or even more aroused, during inactivity. Similarly, self- reports showed that Type As felt more distressed than Type Bs during inactivity. It was suggested that inability to cope with inactivity may add to the health risks associated with Type A behavior.