Myth-Busting Type A and Type B Personality Stereotypes
Imagine you could split the entire world’s population into two distinct camps. People who landed in the first camp would have the same set of traits and behaviors as one another, as would those in the second camp. What's more, these characteristics could be used to predict everything from a person’s chance of career success to their heart health.
Ah, if only life were that simple. And yet the above, in extremely broad brushstrokes, is the type A and type B personality theory. The hypothesis is that nearly all of us fit into one of two personality types that sit at opposite ends of the spectrum from each other.
However, as we will delve into here, the framework is less than perfect for describing the range of human behaviors, and there’s a wealth of dazzling misinformation out there. Here’s what you need to know.
Type A and Type B personalities explained
First up, we need to take a step back in time. The Type A and Type B theory of personality was the handiwork of cardiologists Meyer Friedman and Ray Rosenman back in the 1950s. It started out as a set of traits they observed in different people. Type A was described as a “behavior pattern characterized by agitation, hostility, rapid speech, and an extremely competitive nature,” while Type B consisted of “more laid-back style and a lack of the type A characteristics.”
Before we go any further, it’s important to note that this theory has less scientific grounding than other personality systems. In fact, the cardiologists stumbled into their theory almost by accident after realizing that the chairs in their waiting room were being worn out by anxious and fidgety patients! As we will explore later in this article, there are many myths surrounding each type which have little to no evidence behind them.
“The type A and type B personality theory is more of a pop psychology concept than a rigorously scientific one,” says Niloufar Esmaeilpour, MSc, RCC, SEP from Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre. “While it's useful for understanding certain behavioral tendencies, modern psychology prefers more nuanced and evidence-based models like the Big Five personality traits.”
Before we take a look at the myths surrounding Type A and Type B personalities, you need a baseline understanding of each. Let’s take a look at the stereotypes associated with each personality type based on the research and the modern-day understanding of the terms.
Type A personality
“Individuals with a Type A personality are often characterized by a constant sense of urgency and a high drive for achievement,” says Esmaeilpour. “These people are typically very ambitious, pushing themselves to reach higher levels of success in their careers and personal endeavors. Their ambition often translates into a strong competitive streak, making them stand out in environments where performance and results are key.”
Called go-getters or hot heads, Type A people want to get things done quickly and get mad if things don’t go exactly to plan. At least, that’s the stereotype. With that in mind, the core characteristics you may associate with Type A personality include:
- A sense of time urgency
- High levels of competitiveness
- Impatience
- Aggressiveness and anger
Type B personality
“Individuals with a Type B personality are generally more relaxed and easy-going,” says Esmaeilpour. “They approach life and tasks at a more leisurely pace, valuing enjoyment and relaxation alongside achievement. This laid-back attitude allows them to be less stressed and more adaptable to change, making them resilient in the face of challenges.”
You might say that people with a Type B personality take life as it comes. Rather than always being on the go, these people are most likely to be relaxed and take their time. So, you might say that the characteristics associated with this personality type include:
- Being generally easy going
- Not rushing to get things done
- Being flexible, especially when things change
Busted: the myths about Type A and B personality types
Now that you understand the basics of this personality theory, let’s get down to the myths and rumors surrounding it. There’s a lot of controversy surrounding this topic, especially as other personality theories have been proven to be more scientifically sound.
“The myths surrounding type A and type B personalities stem from oversimplified interpretations and generalizations of these personality types,” explains Esmaeilpour. In other words, we’re guilty of using the terms “Type A” and “Type B” as shorthand for a certain sort of competitive or laid-back person without understanding what the theory really means.
So, let’s bust some of the major myths you may have heard.
#1: Type A personalities are more successful
How often have you heard a misguided co-worker bragging that they are “totally a type A personality” and insinuating that this label was the key to their success?
What they haven’t understood is that Type A/B theory only deals with traits. It cannot predict how successful people will be because it only looks at what behaviors someone who is type A might exhibit.
“This belief is rooted in the idea that ambition and competitiveness inherently lead to greater achievements,” explains Esmaeilpour. However, as you likely know, merely having ambition doesn’t mean that you will reach your goals. We all start the race at varying points, and there’s a whole range of things that play a role in whether we achieve success."
“Success is multifaceted and can't be attributed solely to a person's personality type,” Esmaeilpour continues. “Factors like opportunity, environment, skills, and even luck play significant roles.”
“Moreover, the stress and aggressive behavior associated with type A personalities can sometimes hinder long-term success and personal fulfillment,” she explains. For example, high stress levels can lead to burn out, which can derail even the most promising success journey.
#2: Type B personalities are lazy
Flip the first myth on its head, and you get the following – “people who have type B personality are lazy and don’t achieve their goals.”
It’s another simplified take on this personality theory, and it may have its origins in the idea that type B people take a more chilled-out approach to things which is falsely equated with being “lazy.”
“Being easy-going or less competitive does not equate to a lack of ambition or productivity,” Esmaeilpour explains. “Type B personalities can be highly creative, effective and successful in their endeavors, often excelling in environments that require flexibility and innovative thinking.”
What’s more, people with type B personalities are happier to take the slow road to achievement and are more likely to wait things out. So, a far cry from being lazy, these individuals may have the tendency to follow through on projects that take a while to complete.
“Patience is another defining characteristic of Type B individuals,” says Esmaeilpour. “They tend to exhibit a higher tolerance for delays, obstacles and the shortcomings of others.”
#3: Type A personalities have a higher risk of heart disease
Chances are, you’ve heard the rumor that people with type A personalities have a higher chance of heart disease. This myth doesn’t feel like a massive leap. After all, these individuals may engage in risky behavior or live a stressful lifestyle—both of which could be linked to serious health concerns.
However, there’s more to this than meets the eye.
“The theory appeared to be supported by findings from the Western Collaborative Group Study and the Framingham Study, but many subsequent reviews have not found strong or consistent evidence that type A is causally associated with coronary heart disease,” says Dr. Julie Landry, clinical psychologist and co-founder of NeuroSpark Health.
In the original theory of personality types, Friedman and Rosenman suggested that type A personality was an important risk factor in heart disease. But if we fast-forward to 2012, a review of Friedman/Rosenman study revealed that the research was largely funded by the tobacco industry.
Did the tobacco companies use the results to deflect from the dangers of smoking when it comes to heart disease? It’s a possibility, and while it doesn’t mean we should disregard the original research entirely, it could sow the seeds of doubt. As Laundry puts it, this particular funding revelation “compromises the integrity of the research.”
Your personality may predispose you to certain health conditions. There’s research on this, but it’s complicated. Rather than relying on personality types alone as an accurate predictor of heart disease, it’s better to look at people’s behaviors, lifestyles, genetics and, of course, their general health as a complete package. “It's now understood that factors like stress management, lifestyle choices, and genetic predisposition are also crucial in determining heart disease risk,” adds Esmaeilpour.
#4: Type B people are never competitive
Ambition takes center stage in the stereotypical makeup of a type A person. Since the original research describes Type Bs as people who “lack the type A characteristics,” it’s reasonable to assume that Type B personalities don’t have much ambition.
The truth, of course, is that people with either personality type can be ambitious—and there’s a lot more going on behind someone having a competitive streak. Their upbringing, parental and personal expectations, genetics, values and environment all play a role.
“The notion that type B individuals are never competitive or ambitious is another misconception,” explains Esmaeilpour. “This oversimplification overlooks the complexity of human behavior. Type B personalities can exhibit competitiveness and ambition, but perhaps in more balanced and less overt ways compared to type A individuals.”
Of course, it doesn’t end there. Competition can arise from certain situations. For example, a person who is naturally less competitive than others may become more so in high-pressure environments (and vice versa). Ignoring this is a mistake.
In fact, whenever we make sweeping statements about either of these personality types, we fall into the trap of heavy generalizing. The reality is that people are multidimensional, and their personalities are influenced by a wide variety of factors.
Final words
The Type A / Type B personality theory may be well-known, but it’s flawed. Not only are there gray areas when it comes to the original research— especially when we look at how it was funded—but there is also a rainbow array of myths out there. As Esmaeilpour puts it, “The theory is a useful tool for lay understanding but is not heavily relied upon in academic psychology.”
Put simply: take it with a pinch of salt and use more validated personality frameworks to know and grow yourself.
