Construct validation of the type A behavior pattern in children: the importance of anger and achievement striving

The validity of the Type A construct for children was empirically examined in the present study. The multi-trait, multi-method construct validation strategy was used to determine if the convergent, concurrent, and discriminant validities of the Type A construct would be supported. Constructs used as comparisons included anger, achievement-striving, and depression. Type of measures used included self-report, teacher-rating, and behavior observations. Subjects were 132 boys and girls in the fifth grade in elementary schools in Southwestern Virginia. Additional multiple regression analyses were employed to determine the best predictors of assessed levels of Type A behavior in children.

Results indicated that different methods of measuring Type A behavior in children were significantly intercorrelated, thereby supporting the convergent validity of Type A in children. In addition, Type A was significantly and positively correlated with anger and achievement-striving, but more ambiguously related to depression. Type A did not achieve consistent discriminant validity from anger and achievement-striving, however, it was discriminantly valid when contrasted with depression. It was concluded the Type A behavior pattern for children did not achieve consistent construct validity. The implications of these findings for future research in the area of Type A behavior were discussed.