Type A And Type B Personalities: Understanding The Differences

Updated May 19, 2023by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Have you encountered the terms "Type A" and "Type B" personality and wondered what they might mean? These terms were first introduced by two cardiologists, Meyer Friedman, and Ray Rosenman, in the 1950s to describe two different patterns of behavior and characteristics. Despite some criticism, the concept of Type A and Type B personalities has continued to be used and widely accepted to this day. We would like to delve deeper into what these terms likely indicate and what the differences between Type A and Type B personalities might be.

What Could A Type A Personality Be?

Type A individuals are frequently described as ambitious, highly driven, and always in a hurry. They are competitive and have a strong desire to succeed. They might be perfectionists and are often seen as workaholics. Type A individuals might strive to be the best and take on more responsibilities and projects than they could handle.

Some of the key characteristics of Type A personalities might include:

  • Impatience
  • Sense of urgency
  • Competitive nature
  • Perfectionism
  • Workaholic tendencies
  • Constantly striving for success
  • Difficulty relaxing
  • High levels of stress and anxiety
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What Could A Type B Personality Be?

Type B individuals, on the other hand, are generally more relaxed and easy-going. They are content to take their time and enjoy the journey rather than constantly striving for success. They are not as driven as Type A individuals and are less likely to experience high levels of stress and anxiety.

Some of the key characteristics of Type B personalities might include:

  • Relaxed and easy-going
  • Less driven
  • Less likely to experience stress and anxiety
  • Content with their pace of life
  • A more relaxed approach to success
  • Focus on enjoying the journey
  • More laid-back attitude

Differences Between Type A and Type B Personalities

While some common traits are associated with Type A and Type B personalities, there are also some key differences between these two personality types.

Some of the differences might include the following:

Approach to success: Type A individuals might be highly driven and constantly striving for success, while Type B individuals take a more relaxed approach and focus on enjoying the journey.

Attitude towards stress: Type A individuals tend to experience high levels of stress and anxiety, while Type B individuals are generally more relaxed and less likely to experience these negative emotions.

The pace of life: Type B individuals take their time and are content with their pace of life, while Type A individuals seem to be workaholics and are always in a hurry.

Ability to relax: It could be difficult for a Type A individuals to relax and take time for themselves, while Type B individuals are more laid-back and able to enjoy leisure activities.

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Impact On Mental Health

The differences between Type A and Type B personalities could significantly impact an individual's mental health. The high levels of stress and anxiety that Type A individuals might experience could lead to adverse outcomes such as burnout, depression, and anxiety disorders. On the other hand, Type B individuals' more relaxed and easy-going nature might help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

It might be essential to note that these are general tendencies; not all individuals who fall into one category will experience the same outcomes. Individuals might also exhibit traits from Type A and Type B personalities, making it possible for someone to share both positive and negative outcomes.

How To Cope With Type A Personality Traits

For those who exhibit Type A personality traits, it might be ideal to find ways to manage the stress and anxiety that could come with this type of personality.

Here are some tips for coping with Type A personality traits:

Practice mindfulness and meditation: Taking time to focus on the present moment and practice mindfulness could help reduce stress and improve well-being.

Learn to relax: It might be necessary for Type A individuals to find ways to relax and recharge, such as taking a break from work, engaging in leisure activities, or practicing yoga or other forms of exercise.

Set realistic goals: Type A individuals might be perfectionists and set unrealistic goals for themselves. It could be best to set achievable goals and understand that it's okay to make mistakes.

Prioritize self-care: It's essential to prioritize self-care and make time for self-reflection and self-improvement.

Seek support: Talking to friends, family, or a mental health professional could help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Benefits Of Online Therapy

Online Therapy can be a valuable resource for individuals who struggle with the negative impacts of Type A personality traits. A trained therapist can help individuals to identify and manage stress, set realistic goals, and develop coping strategies for dealing with anxiety and burnout. Therapy can also provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to discuss their experiences and gain insight into their behavior patterns. By working with a therapist, individuals with Type A personality traits can learn to balance their drive for success with self-care and well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Effectiveness Of Online Therapy

Studies have shown that online therapy can benefit individuals with Type A personalities. In a study conducted on 44 male insurance representatives, participants were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a delayed treatment control group. The treatment group participated in 9 weekly sessions of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy and showed improvements in their Type A behavior and time urgency component compared to the control group. These improvements were maintained after follow-up and were accompanied by positive changes in self-reported Type A behavior and irrational beliefs. This suggests that therapy can help reduce the intensity of Type A personality traits and improve overall well-being.

Some of the glory in living may come from falling, but it might be best to rise every time you fall.

A couple are sitting on a couch in front of a therapist; the man is leaning back and looking at the woman with an upset expression and the woman is looking away, with a remorseful expression.
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Takeaways

While some general tendencies are associated with each personality type, not all individuals might fit into one category, and individuals might exhibit traits from both Type A and Type B personalities. Understanding the differences between Type A and Type B personalities could help individuals better to understand their tendencies and the tendencies of others. It could be best for individuals to find ways to manage the stress and anxiety of having a Type A personality. Online therapy can be a valuable resource in helping individuals identify and manage stress, set realistic goals, and develop coping strategies for dealing with anxiety and burnout. Through therapy, individuals can learn how to balance their drive for success with self-care and well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

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