Assessing the type A behaviour pattern with the Jenkins Activity Survey.

Controversy has arisen over the usefulness and reliability of the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) as a measure of Type A behaviour. Ray & Bozek (1980), Jenkins & Zyzanski (1982) and Ray (1984) have exchanged contrasting views. Our data show low internal consistency scores for the four components of the JAS: i.e. the Type A scale itself and factors speed and impatience (S), job involvement (J), and hard-driving competitiveness (H); and a low test-retest reliability result for the Type A scale. Further, the weighted scoring scheme of the JAS is questioned. Recommendations are made to eliminate the weighted scoring scheme, delete factors S, J, and H, and revise specific items in the JAS.