Empirical contributions

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Abstract
This study examined the effects of Type A modification on a sample of 49 male post—myocardial infarction patients. These patients were classified as showing Type A behavior, were below the age of 65, and did not have severe angina pectoris or arrythmias. They were randomly assigned either to Type A group treatment or to cardiologic counseling (control condition). The treatment period was 1 year—with weekly and biweekly meetings for the treatment patients and bimonthly meetings for the control patients. Diagnostic procedures included measurements of Type A behavior; self-ratings of anger, hostility, anxiety, depression, marital satisfaction, and social support; and assessment of coronary morbidity. Significant reductions of Type A behavior and independently measured anger were accomplished in the treatment patients. In general, the group differences were maintained at 1-year follow-up. Treatment patients tended to have better medical outcomes and fewer recurrences than control patients over the 2 years.