So you've heard about Type A personality tests and wonder what they really measure? Maybe your doctor mentioned it, or HR suggested one at work. Honestly, I first took one years ago when my boss told me I was "too intense" during team meetings. Turns out I scored high on Type A traits – no surprise to my wife! These tests aren't just pop psychology; they've been used in medical studies since the 1950s when cardiologists noticed patterns in heart attack patients.
What Exactly Are Type A Personality Tests?
A Type A personality test assesses behavioral patterns like competitiveness, time urgency, and hostility. Unlike those magazine quizzes, proper tests are clinically validated. The original was the Structured Interview (SI) developed by Friedman and Rosenman – takes 15 minutes with a trained interviewer. Today most people take self-report questionnaires online. But here's the thing: not all Type A personality assessments are created equal. Some free online versions are way too simplistic to be useful.
Quick example: How do you react when stuck in traffic? Type A's will pound the steering wheel while Type B's turn up the radio. That's the classic difference these tests measure.
Core Traits Measured in Type A Personality Assessments
| Trait Category | What It Means | Real-Life Example |
|---|---|---|
| Time Urgency | Constant race against the clock | Finishing others' sentences because they talk too slow |
| Competitiveness | Turning everything into a contest | Secretly racing strangers on sidewalks |
| Hostility | Quickness to anger | Ranting about supermarket checkout delays |
| Achievement Drive | Relentless goal pursuit | Working through vacations "just to clear emails" |
(Note: Most Type A personality tests score these traits on scales rather than yes/no categories)
Where to Find Reliable Type A Personality Tests
You've got three main options for taking a Type A behavior test:
- Clinical Assessments: The gold-standard Jenkins Activity Survey costs about $120 and needs a psychologist to interpret. Hard to find but most accurate.
- University Research Tools: Framingham Type A Scale used in heart disease studies – free online but reads like medical paperwork.
- Online Free Tests: Sites like Psychology Today offer 5-minute quizzes. Convenient but accuracy varies wildly.
Personal rant: I tried four free Type A personality tests last month, and got different results each time! One said I was "moderate Type A", another claimed I was "off-the-charts". Free tests often oversimplify complex behaviors.
Top Recommended Type A Tests Compared
| Test Name | Cost | Time Required | Best For | Biggest Flaw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jenkins Activity Survey | $100-$200 | 30 minutes | Medical diagnosis | Requires professional administration |
| Framingham Scale | Free | 15 minutes | Research purposes | Dry medical language |
| Bortner Scale | Free | 10 minutes | Quick self-checks | Too narrow in scope |
| Online Quizzes | Free | 5 minutes | Casual curiosity | Often lacks scientific validation |
What Your Type A Personality Test Results Actually Mean
Scoring high on a Type A personality assessment isn't all bad news. In my finance career, that drive helped me close deals. But my doctor warned about the health risks. Here's the nuanced truth:
The Good Side of Type A Traits
- Crush deadlines like a pro
- Often climb career ladders faster
- Excel in high-pressure situations
- Get stuff done while others procrastinate
The Not-So-Good Reality
- 3x higher heart disease risk (American Heart Association data)
- Chronic stress that messes with sleep
- Strained relationships from constant impatience
- Burnout from inability to relax
Key insight from my therapist: It's mainly the hostility component that links to health risks. Competitive drive alone? Less dangerous.
Beyond the Test: Managing Type A Tendencies
After my Type A personality test wake-up call, I implemented practical changes. You don't need to become a Zen master overnight. Try these research-backed strategies:
| Strategy | How to Implement | My Personal Result |
|---|---|---|
| Time Buffering | Add 25% extra time to all deadlines | Arrived on time for once! |
| Response Delaying | Wait 10 seconds before replying in conflicts | Fewer pointless arguments |
| Competition Detox | Remove performance metrics from hobbies | Actually enjoy gardening now |
| Micro-Breaks | Set alarms for 3-minute pauses every 90 minutes | Fewer tension headaches |
When Workplace Type A Tests Go Wrong
Some companies misuse Type A personality assessments during hiring. I consulted with HR expert Lisa Morgan about this:
"Using Type A personality tests to screen candidates is legally risky and often backfires. We had a client who favored Type A's for sales roles – six months later, team conflicts exploded. These tests should guide development, not hiring decisions."
Your Type A Personality Test Questions Answered
Are Type A personality tests scientifically valid?
The established ones are – with caveats. The Jenkins test predicts heart issues better than cholesterol tests in middle-aged men. But free online quizzes? Mostly entertainment.
Can you change your Type A personality?
You can't flip a switch, but behavioral changes are absolutely possible. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) shows 70% success in reducing hostility components within 6 months.
Do employers use Type A personality tests?
Legally questionable but happens. Some sales organizations quietly screen for "drive". If required to take one, ask how results will be used.
What's better – Type A or Type B?
Neither! Extreme Type A correlates with health risks, pure Type B may lack drive. Most people are blends. My wife's a Type AB – productive but doesn't rage at slow microwaves.
The Surprising History Behind Type A Testing
It all started with furniture. Seriously. In 1950s San Francisco, cardiologists Friedman and Rosenman noticed their waiting room chairs were wearing out prematurely. Only the front edges! They realized heart patients sat anxiously, ready to spring up. Thus began the first Type A personality research.
Modern Type A personality tests evolved from their original structured interview format:
- 1950s-60s: Tape-recorded interviews analyzed speech patterns (interruptions, explosive pronunciation)
- 1970s: First self-report questionnaire (Jenkins Activity Survey)
- 1980s: Links to heart disease established in major studies
- 2000s: Online versions proliferate – quality varies
Current Limitations of Type A Personality Tests
Even good tests have blind spots. They often miss:
- Cultural differences (assertiveness viewed differently globally)
- Contextual behavior (you might be Type A at work, Type B on vacation)
- Gender biases in original studies (focused on middle-aged men)
Frankly, the best Type A personality assessment combines a validated test with real-world observation. Ask your partner where you really stand!
Putting It All Together: Next Steps After Your Test
So you took a Type A personality test – now what? Based on my journey and clinical research, here's your action plan:
| If Your Score Is... | Recommended Action | Red Flags to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| High Type A | Cardiac checkup + stress management training | Frequent anger, insomnia, chest tightness |
| Moderate Type A | Focus on hostility reduction techniques | Road rage, interrupting others constantly |
| Low Type A | Leverage calm demeanor in crises | Chronic procrastination affecting goals |
Remember: A Type A personality test isn't a life sentence. My own journey proves that. After implementing changes post-test, my blood pressure dropped 15 points. Not bad for someone who used to consider blinking a waste of time!
Final Reality Check
These tests aren't crystal balls. My friend aced her Type A personality assessment but handles stress better than anyone I know. Why? She channels competitiveness into marathon training instead of workplace battles. It's about awareness, not labels. If you take away one thing: the most valuable part of any Type A personality test is the mirror it holds up to your habits. Stare thoughtfully, then adjust accordingly.
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