Type A Behavior, Field Dependence, and Serum Lipids

Given evidence that individual differences on the cognitive style dimension of field dependence/independence are significantly related to sympathetically mediated cardiovascular functioning and lipid metabolism, a correlational study was designed to examine associations between Type A behavior, field dependence, and serum lipids. It was hypothesized that field dependent Type A individuals would exhibit higher levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides than would field independent Type A individuals. Using 82 medical students as subjects, the hypothesis was supported among both males and females for total cholesterol, with a trend in the predicted direction for triglycerides. Field dependent Type A individuals of both sexes were also found to have a higher level of low-density lipoprotein to total cholesterol, when compared to their field independent Type A counterparts. The overall pattern of findings provides suggestive evidence that field dependence is an important mediating personality factor influencing levels of autonomic arousal and coronary risk among Type A individuals. Alternative explanations as to why field dependent Type A individuals may be more chronically aroused in response to environmental stimuli are discussed.