Familial Resemblance in Components of the Type A Behavior Pattern: A Reanalysis of the California Type A Twin Study

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Abstract
No heritability of global Type A behavior assessed by the Structured Interview (SI) method has been reported, although some of the self-report scales correlated with global Type A behavior did have heritable components. Recent factor analyses of coded SI responses revealed 4 independent dimensions: clinical ratings primarily of speech stylistics and self-reports of pressured drive, anger and competitiveness. Some of these dimensions may have a heritable base, whereas others do not. Reanalyses of the available SI responses from the Rosenman sample are reported. In this subsample, tape recorded interviews with 80 monozygotic and 80 dizygotic twin pairs were scored for the extent of self-reported Type A behaviors, major speech stylistics considered to be indicative of Pattern A and observable Type A behaviors (e.g., signs of hostility). Scores for the major dimensions measured by the SI were calculated and scores for which there were sufficient data were subjected to twin analyses. Individual differences in the clinical ratings factor and certain ratings loading on it-specifically, loudness of speech, competition for control of the interview and potential for hostility-might have a heritable component. Results are discussed in the context of the importance of hostility as a predictor of subsequent coronary heart disease events as well as of total mortality, other data on heritability of emotionality and a temperament approach to understanding the origins of the Type A behavior pattern.

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