Work environment, type A behavior, and coronary heart disease risk factors

Abstract

Relationships to CHD risk factors of work environment variables, of the Type A behavior pattern, and of their interaction were studied in 384 male salaried workers. Except for an association between physical comfort in the work environment and systolic blood pressure, no significant independent relationships were found between any of the work environment variables or the Type A behavior pattern and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors. Type A workers who described their work environments as encouraging autonomy or being high in peer cohesion had lower blood pressures than those who did not. The reverse was found for Type Bs. Type Bs who described their environments as low in physical comfort had higher systolic blood pressure than those who did not. These significant interactions are discussed from the perspective of person-environment fit. Future directions for research and implications for CHD risk reduction are presented.