What Are “Type B” Personality Traits?

Have you ever heard a person identify as “type A”? This label is sometimes used to refer to an individual who is ambitious, high-energy, and detail-oriented. In contrast, type B individuals may be more relaxed and easygoing. Both of these labels come from a 1950s study on coronary heart disease. Understanding the difference between the two types may help promote increased awareness of your own patterns as well as some risk factors for stress-related conditions like heart disease. An in-person or online therapist may also be able to help you learn healthy ways to manage your stress levels.

What is a “type B” personality? 

The origins of the type A and type B behavior theory

The terms “type A” and “type B” personality refer to a way of categorizing patterns of behavior developed by cardiologists Meyer Friedman and Ray Rosenman in the 1950s. They created the theory while researching possible causes of coronary heart disease. 

Their hypothesis was that “type A” individuals may be at increased risk of heart disease because their personality traits can cause them to have higher stress levels. Since “type B” people may be calmer, the theory proposed that these individuals might experience lower levels of stress and, therefore, a lower risk of heart disease. Despite criticisms of the original study, the general concept of type A and type B personalities continues to be referenced in popular psychology and public health studies. 

The limits of personality typing

Note that personality descriptions like types A and B are a theory. This framework represents just one of many different ways of thinking about human personalities, with others potentially providing a more nuanced understanding of human behavior. Also, not all individuals who fall into one category according to a personality test may experience the same outcomes. Individuals might also exhibit behavior patterns from multiple types simultaneously or not relate to any of the available categories. 

If you're interested in learning about evidence-based ways to understand your patterns, build self-awareness, and cultivate healthy habits, consider connecting with an online therapist.

Is the type A and type B personality theory still supported by research?

As a whole, this theory of personality may no longer be widely accepted by scientists. In 2012, a study was published illuminating how the research that the type A and B personality theory was based on was flawed. It reports that “the tobacco industry was a major funder of [type A behavior pattern] research, with selected results used to counter concerns regarding tobacco and health.” Tobacco companies wanted the public to believe that smoking doesn't necessarily cause heart disease, hoping to link this type of illness to inherent personality traits instead. Today, however, it’s widely known that smoking is indeed a significant risk factor for various cardiovascular conditions.

That said, modern research may support some other elements of this framework. For one, studies do suggest that high stress levels may be a risk factor for heart disease. 

For another, a 1996 article published by the Psychological Bulletin does indicate a link between certain personality traits and physical health outcomes, with more recent research clarifying that traits like hostility and frequent anger may increase one’s risk of cardiovascular events. So even though the premise of the original study was flawed, some still refer to its personality framework to discuss the potential links between certain traits, stress, and stress-related illnesses. Below, types A and B are referred to in broad generalizations as a tool for understanding potentially stress-related traits rather than a strict guide for calculating risk of cardiovascular disease. You might talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your risk for heart disease.

What are the key traits of a "type B" personality? 

Type B individuals are often called "relaxed" and "easy-going." They may be content in taking their time and enjoying life rather than striving for success. According to this personality theory, type B individuals are not as driven as type A individuals and may, therefore, be less likely to experience chronic stress. 

Other personality characteristics of type B individuals may include: 

• A sense of contentedness with life 
• A more relaxed approach to success and achievement
• A laid-back attitude
• A highly flexible way of approaching problems and tasks
• People-pleasing behaviors

Type B at work

Due to their laid-back nature, a type B person may be more likely to have a strong work-life balance compared to a type A person. They tend to focus less on professional success and more on other measures and aspects of life. A type B person might take life at their own pace, including in professional contexts. As a result, they may experience lower stress levels and a lower risk of stress-related health challenges. That said, it can also be possible for a type B person to be too relaxed about their job, potentially resulting in absenteeism or job insecurity. 

Type B in relationships

A type B person may be easy to spend time around, which could be helpful to them in social settings. Their easygoing manner may help them meet and endear themselves to people easily, though building strong relationships and close friendships from there typically takes additional, consistent time and effort. If conflict arises, a type B person may either avoid it or act as a peacemaker using their calm demeanor.

What are the key traits of the "type A" personality?  

In contrast, type A individuals are often described as ambitious, highly driven, and in a hurry to complete tasks. They may be competitive and have a profound desire to succeed. Some type A individuals might have a behavior pattern of being “perfectionists” or "workaholics." Sometimes, individuals with these personality traits tend to take on more responsibilities and projects than they can realistically handle to prove their ability. 

Some other personality characteristics of type A individuals could include:

• Impatience
• A constant sense of urgency
• Competitiveness
• A constant striving for success
• Difficulty relaxing
• Higher levels of stress and anxiety
• A desire for organization 
• A desire to take control of social situations 
• Leadership abilities 

Type A vs. type B personality: What’s the real difference?

When comparing the key traits for each type, some differences may be obvious. Additional differences between type A and type B people relate to the following categories.

Approach to success 

Type A individuals are often considered detail-oriented and driven and may constantly strive for success and recognition in a way that their type B counterparts may not. A type B personality tends to have a more relaxed attitude and focus on enjoying life as it happens. 

Both approaches may come with benefits and drawbacks. For example, a type A person may have the drive to achieve their professional goals, but they may also be at higher risk of stress-related illnesses. A type B person may have the major advantage of potentially experiencing less stress, but they might experience lower levels of professional achievement and even financial instability as a result. 

Stress levels

Because type A individuals often have a sense of urgency and a strong desire to take control and succeed, they may experience higher stress levels than a type B individual. In addition to potentially affecting quality of life and mental well-being, health psychology research suggests that these kinds of traits may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease. In contrast, type B individuals may experience lower levels of stress and lower rates of stress-related illness.

If you’re having trouble managing your stress levels, help is available. Consider reaching out to an in-person or online therapist for support.

Life pace 

Type B folks are often thought of as having an even-tempered nature. They may work steadily and be content with their pace of life. In contrast, type A individuals may work hard, remain hypervigilant, and avoid taking breaks. For example, instead of taking a lunch break, type A individuals may eat rapidly before rushing off to complete their tasks. 

These behavior patterns may also have drawbacks for both individuals if occurring out of proportion. Type A people may struggle to take time for self-care and self-reflection in their personal lives. In contrast, type B individuals' lower job involvement might lead to missed opportunities, especially if they have trouble motivating themselves to continue trying in the face of adversity. 

Interest in leadership 

Taking on leadership roles is often considered a strong suit of type A individuals. They may be willing and able to offer advice and take control when others aren't. Type B individuals might not feel as comfortable with leadership and may be more likely to step back and allow others to take the reins.

Type A and type B working together

When collaborating in professional contexts, people with traits from either side of this framework may bring unique strengths and different perspectives to the table. To manage complex decisions and tasks with minimal friction between personality types, it may help to establish multiple groups for discussion, each of which contains diverse personalities and encourages open dialogue. Making sure everyone has the opportunity to use their creative thinking and share their valuable insights may help teams take a balanced approach to coming up with creative solutions for various problems.

How to tell if you are type B

Some people find that they immediately identify with one of these two sets of traits, A or B. Others may identify with one or the other after some self-reflection on their natural tendencies. Still others may prefer to take a quiz to learn more about their personality or behavior in the context of this framework. The Jenkins activity survey is one of the most widely used methods of assessing type A and type B behavior patterns in social psychology. 

Labels like “type A” and “type B” may be useful when they help a person understand themselves on a deeper level or make positive changes. However, they may be harmful if a person over-identifies with or shames themselves for the label they believe matches their personality. As with any type of personality test, it may be best to take any parts of this framework that are helpful to you and leave the rest.

Personality and mental health: When type B traits create stress

Some research has focused on how people with more type A traits might be at higher risk of chronic stress and stress-related illness. However, it may also be possible for a person who has more type B traits (or who identifies with any other personality type outside of this framework) to still experience high stress levels and their impacts. 

For example, someone who tends toward type B traits might be prone to people-pleasing behaviors, which could lead to stress from not speaking up for their needs. Or, because some type Bs may have a more laid-back attitude toward their work, they might sometimes be at higher risk of job-related consequences and resulting stress.

Tips for maintaining balance if you have type B personality traits

People with any personality type may face challenges due to certain traits or tendencies. For those who lean more toward type B in certain ways, the following strategies may be helpful in finding balance:

• Visualization: Visualizing your goals to cement them in your mind may help you work toward them with more confidence. 
• Pros and cons charts: If you're struggling to make a decision in a high-stakes situation and it’s leading to mental stress, consider creating a pros and cons chart to weigh the options. 
• Public speaking classes: If you generally sit back and let others make the decisions, you might consider taking a public speaking class to become more comfortable with expressing control and speaking to others about your ideas. 
• Boundaries: Learning to set healthy boundaries and conflict-resolution skills could be beneficial if you often engage in people-pleasing behaviors to avoid conflict. 
• Healthy risk-taking: Taking healthy risks may increase confidence and self-efficacy, especially if you typically struggle with decision-making or motivation. This could look like applying for a dream job or sharing your ideas in front of a crowd in some way.

Signs you may benefit from professional support

People of all personality types may have the potential to benefit from working with a mental health professional, like a therapist. You might consider reaching out for the support of a therapist if you are:

• Struggling with motivation
• Experiencing chronic stress
• Living with signs of depression or anxiety
• Experiencing low self-esteem
• Facing relationship challenges

According to the American Psychiatric Association, 75% of people who have attended therapy say they received some benefit from it. If you’re facing emotional or mental health challenges, a therapist may help.

Counseling options for support with unhelpful patterns or habits

While therapy may be a helpful tool for an individual with any personality type, making it to in-person sessions each week isn’t always feasible. For those with a busy schedule or few therapists nearby, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp might be a more convenient option. 

BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist depending on the preferences you share in a brief questionnaire. Once matched, you can meet with them virtually via video call, phone call, or live chat from anywhere you have an internet connection or a personal device. Online appointment times may be more flexible than those offered by in-person therapists and there’s no commuting required, which may make online therapy a convenient option for care.

Is online therapy effective?

A growing body of research indicates that online therapy may often be similarly effective to in-person therapy for treating many types of challenges, including stress. For example, one study suggests that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy may be “effective in reducing stress-related symptoms in a clinical sample of patients” with adjustment disorder and exhaustion disorder, which are both stress-related conditions.