An exploratory study of the relationship between type A and sensation-seeking behavior.

The focus of the study was the relationship between Type A behavior and sensation-seeking behavior for individuals who had had a first myocardial infarction. Impulsivity, time compulsion, and sensation-seeking behavior were assumed to be risk taking. From 50 subjects with documented first myocardial infarctions were obtained scores on Type A behavior and sensation seeking. Pearson correlations were nonsignificant. Analysis of variance of Type A behavior scores for men aged 38 to 49 yr., 50 to 57 yr., and 58 to 69 yr. showed no significant effects. The group aged 38 to 49 yr. had the highest mean Type A score but these were not extreme. Subjects scored low to moderate on sensation seeking. Being a low sensation seeker apparently had more impact than Type A behavior.