Unique and common variance in Structured Interview and Jenkins Activity Survey measures of Type A behavior pattern

Examined factors that account for similarities and discrepancies in classification of Type A and B behavior by the Structured Interview (SI) and by the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS). 163 31-70 yr old males and 202 male undergraduates were administered the SI and JAS. SI questions were coded for content of response and psychomotor behavior during the interview. Frequency of specific Type A speech characteristics and clinical judgments were also rated. Analyses revealed that the SI estimate of Type A could be predicted by Ss' promptness of response, voice emphasis, hurried speech, and judgments of competitiveness, hostility, and energy level. The latter 3 judgments were also measured somewhat by the JAS. The JAS estimate of Type A could be predicted by Ss' reports of pressured drive, which was also measured by SI. This pattern of interrelationships was similar in the 2 samples despite of sample differences in age, health status, geographical location, interview and JAS forms, and raters. Overall, the correlations between the SI and JAS assessments were low and suggested a considerable degree of independence between the 2 measures. These measures should not be used as interchangeable measures of Type A behavior. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).