Key result
Type D personality is linked to resting cardiac output due to negative affectivity-social inhibition synergy.
Cross-Sectional (n=134)
The Type D personality construct demonstrates discriminant validity through its unique association with resting cardiac output, distinct from general neuroticism.
May refine Type D placement in personality theory among healthy adults; leaves open its cardiac prognostic value.
The Type D personality, identified by high negative affectivity paired with high social inhibition, has been associated with a number of health-related outcomes in (mainly) cardiac populations. However, despite its prevalence in the health-related literature, how this personality construct fits within existing personality theory has not been directly tested. Using a sample of 134 healthy university students, this study examined the Type D personality in terms of two well-established personality traits; introversion and neuroticism. Construct, concurrent and discriminant validity of this personality type was established through examination of the associations between the Type D personality and psychometrically assessed anxiety, depression and stress, as well as measurement of resting cardiovascular function. Results showed that while the Type D personality was easily represented using alternative measures of both introversion and neuroticism, associations with anxiety, depression and stress were mainly accounted for by neuroticism. Conversely, however, associations with resting cardiac output were attributable to the negative affectivity-social inhibition synergy, explicit within the Type D construct. Consequently, both the construct and concurrent validity of this personality type were confirmed, with discriminant validity evident on examination of physiological indices of well-being.
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Howard et al. (2011) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy (n=134). Type D personality was evaluated on Associations with anxiety, depression, stress, and resting cardiac output. Type D personality was associated with resting cardiac output due to negative affectivity-social inhibition synergy, while associations with anxiety, depression, and stress were driven by neuroticism.