Effects of Behavioral Control and Type A Behavior on Cardiovascular Responses

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to examine the relationship between degree of behavioral control and cardiovascular changes in 60 adult males performing an anagram solution task, and (b) to assess the interaction between behavioral control and type of subject (A vs. B). Three conditions were used, differing from each other in the percentage of solvable anagrams (100, 50, and 30%). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured before, during, and after the anagram task. In all conditions, during‐task SBP, DBP, and HR were significantly elevated above baseline. Blood pressure (BP) elevations appeared to be curvilinearly related to degree of behavioral control, i.e., more elevated in the 50% than in the 100% and 30% conditions. HR changes did not differ among conditions. Concerning the Type A behavior pattern, the results revealed significantly greater BP elevations for Type A than for Type B subjects, especially in the 50% condition, thereby confirming that the physiologic correlates of Type A behavior are predominantly evoked in challenging circumstances. Findings were discussed in the light of results of cardiovascular and endocrinological research. Consideration was given to the possible role of disengagement in the 30% condition and to differences in the pattern of responding between As and Bs.