<P> In his 1996 book dealing with extreme Type A behavior, Type A Behavior: Its Diagnosis and Treatment, Friedman suggests that dangerous Type A behavior is expressed through three major symptoms: (1) free - floating hostility, which can be triggered by even minor incidents; (2) time urgency and impatience, which causes irritation and exasperation usually described as being "short - fused"; and (3) a competitive drive, which causes stress and an achievement - driven mentality . The first of these symptoms is believed to be covert and therefore less observable, while the other two are more overt . </P> <P> Type A people were said to be hasty, impatient, impulsive, hyperalert, potentially hostile, and angry . Research has also shown that Type A personalities deal with reality and have certain defenses when it comes to dealing with problems . </P> <P> There are two main methods to assessing Type A behaviour . The first being the SI and the second being the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) The SI assessment involves an interviewer measuring a persons emotional, nonverbal and verbal responses (your expressive style). The JAS involves a self questionnaire with three main categories: Speed and Impatience, Job Involvement, and Hard - Driving Competitiveness . </P> <P> The hypothesis describes Type B individuals as a contrast to those of Type A. Type B personality, by definition, are noted to live at lower stress levels . They typically work steadily, and may enjoy achievement, although they have a greater tendency to disregard physical or mental stress when they do not achieve . When faced with competition, they may focus less on winning or losing than their Type A counterparts, and more on enjoying the game regardless of winning or losing . Unlike the Type A personality's rhythm of multi-tasked careers, Type B individuals are sometimes attracted to careers of creativity: writer, counselor, therapist, actor or actress . However, network and computer systems managers, professors, and judges are more likely to be Type B individuals as well . Their personal character may enjoy exploring ideas and concepts . </P>

Definition of personality types a b c d