In 1950, Dr. Meyer Friedman, a cardiologist, noted that the armrests in his waiting room were worn down, especially on the front edges as if the patients were literally “sitting on the edge of their seats.”

In 1950, Dr. Meyer Friedman, a cardiologist, noted that the armrests in his waiting room were worn down, especially on the front edges as if the patients were literally “sitting on the edge of their seats.” From this observation, Dr. Friedman and his colleague gathered data and concluded that patients with heart disease tend to be intensively driven, workaholic-type individuals.

They labeled people with these characteristics “Type A” personalities. Individuals that were more laid back and relaxed were labeled as “Type B.”

Take the following personality test to determine if you lean toward a Type A or Type B personality. 

Do you think there is a strong link between having either of these personality types, stress, and heart disease? Why or why not?

In 1950, Dr. Meyer Friedman, a cardiologist, noted that the armrests in his waiting room were worn down, especially on the front edges as if the patients were literally “sitting on the edge of their seats.”