Brief Description

The Type A Behavior Questionnaire is an assessment tool designed to evaluate Type A behavioral tendencies, particularly as they relate to cardiovascular risk. It consists of 15 items distributed across four subscales: (a) impatience, irritability, and speed; (b) energy and efficiency; (c) competitiveness and ambition; and (d) tension and difficulty relaxing. The questionnaire has been used in large-scale studies in Finland and was translated and adapted into Greek through a double independent translation and back-translation method.

Purpose

The purpose of the questionnaire is to measure characteristics associated with Type A behavior—a personality profile linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. By identifying these behavioral traits, it enables a better understanding of the psychosomatic relationship between personality and health.

Scoring Method

Scoring is based on a five-point Likert scale (1 = not at all to 5 = very much). The 15 items are assigned to the four subscales as follows: Subscale A (impatience, irritability, speed) includes items 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 14; Subscale B (energy and efficiency) includes items 13, 2, 4; Subscale C (competitiveness and ambition) includes items 15, 8, 12, 7; Subscale D (tension and difficulty relaxing) includes items 14, 11, 5, 9. The subscales are scored independently and provide a behavioral profile for each domain.

Validity

The questionnaire has undergone conceptual and linguistic adaptation according to scientific standards. Its validity is supported by its use in international studies, and its structure reflects well-established theoretical aspects of Type A behavior.

Reliability

The internal consistency of the questionnaire, measured by Cronbach’s alpha in the Greek sample, ranges from 0.57 to 0.69. These values are considered marginally acceptable and are similar to those reported in the original questionnaire and the Framingham scale. Although reliability is not high, the tool can be appropriately used in research settings with caution.

Data Analysis and Use

The Greek study was conducted with a sample of 375 individuals, including 175 university students and 200 non-students, with a mean age of 31.7 years. Data were collected in the regions of Kavala and Katerini. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The results can be used to explore the relationship between Type A behavior and psychosomatic health and to guide stress and anxiety management interventions.

References

Järvikoski, A., & Harkapaa, K. (1987). A brief type A scale and the occurrence of cardiovascular symptoms. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 19, 115–120.