Reasons for the trend toward null findings in research on Type A behavior

• Published in: Psychological bulletin Vol. 110; no. 3; p. 469
• Main Authors: Miller, T Q, Turner, C W, Tindale, R S, Posavac, E J, Dugoni, B L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.11.1991
• Subjects: Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Disease - psychology; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Myocardial Infarction - psychology; Risk Factors; Type A Personality
• ISSN: 0033-2909
• DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.110.3.469

The findings of many studies conducted before 1978 suggest that Type A behavior (TAB) contributes to the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). In contrast, many recent studies have found no association between these variables. Through meta-analysis, several reasons for null findings are identified. First, a type of range restriction bias, disease-based spectrum (DBS) bias, produced many null findings. A study is vulnerable to DBS bias when researchers select only high-risk or diseased Ss for study. Second, self-report measures of TAB were often associated with null findings. Finally, null results were found for all studies that used fatal myocardial infarction as a disease criterion. In addition to identifying the reasons for null findings, this research suggests that TAB, as assessed by the structured interview, is associated with CHD. More Type As (70%) were found in diseased populations of middle-aged men than in healthy populations of middle-aged men (46%).