Type-D personality mechanisms of effect: the role of health-related behavior and social support

Williams, L. et al. (2008) Type-D personality mechanisms of effect: the role of health-related behavior and social support. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 64(1), pp. 63-69. (doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2007.06.008)

Abstract

Objective: To (a) investigate the prevalence of type-D personality (the conjoint effects of negative affectivity and social inhibition) in a healthy British and Irish population; (b) to test the influence of type-D on health-related behavior, and (c) to determine if these relationships are explained by neuroticism.<p></p> Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed; 1012 healthy young adults (225 males, 787 females, mean age 20.5 years) from the United Kingdom and Ireland completed measures of type-D personality, health behaviors, social support, and neuroticism.<p></p> Results: The prevalence of type-D was found to be 38.5%, significantly higher than that reported in other European countries. In addition, type-D individuals reported performing significantly fewer health-related behaviors and lower levels of social support than non-type-D individuals. These relationships remained significant after controlling for neuroticism.<p></p> Conclusion: These findings provide new evidence on type-D and suggest a role for health-related behavior in explaining the link between type-D and poor clinical prognosis in cardiac patients.<p></p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: O'Connor, Professor Rory
• Authors: Williams, L., O'Connor, R. C., Howard, S., Hughes, B. M., Johnston, D. W., Hay, J. L., O'Connor, D. B., Lewis, C. A., Ferguson, E., Sheehy, N., Grealy, M. A., and O'Carroll, R. E.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Journal of Psychosomatic Research
• Publisher: Elsevier Inc.
• ISSN: 0022-3999
• ISSN (Online): 1879-1360