Abstract
This study attempts to integrate the conceptualization of the Type A behavior pattern with the research on intrinsic motivation. The hypothesis is proposed that Type A behaviors, such as the tendency to compete, set deadlines, and seek evaluative feedback, serve to focus attention on extrinsic motivation rather than intrinsic motivation. Settings which are low in intrinsic motivation, such as close supervision, low flexibility, and control, are often accompanied by pressure, tension, and negative affect. This hypothesis was tested by measuring Type A behavior and motivational orientation in male college students. Consistent with the hypothesis,Type A behavior was associated with extrinsic motivational orientation, such as taking easy courses and focusing on getting a good grade. Type A individuals also were unaffected by instructions designed to increase intrinsic motivation, whereas Type B individuals were highly sensitive to such instructions. These data provide an explanation for the paradoxical effect of Type A behavior in males, such that success is often accompanied by feelings of dissatisfaction.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
AMABILE, T. M., DEJONG, W., & LEPPER, M. R. (1976). Effects of externally imposed deadlines on subsequent intrinsic motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 34, 92–98.
DECI, E. L., BETLEY, G., KAHLE, J., ABRAMS, L., & PORAC, J. (1981). When trying to win: Competition and intrinsic motivation. Personality Social Psychology Bulletin, 7, 79–83.
DECI, E. L., & RYAN, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Plenum Press: New York.
DECI, E. L., & RYAN, R. M. (1987). The support of autonomy and the control of behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53, 1024–1037.
FRIEDMAN, M., & ULMER, D. (1984). Treating Type A behavior — and your heart. New York: Knopf.
GLASS, D. C. (1977). Behavior patterns, stress and coronary disease. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
HARACKIEWICZ, J. M., ABRAHAMS, S., & WAGEMAN, R. (1987). Performance evaluation, and intrinsic motivation: The effects of evaluative focus, rewards, and achievement orientation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53, 1015–1023.
HARTER, S. (1981). A new self-report scale of intrinsic versus extrinsic orientation in the classroom: Motivational and informational components. Developmental Psychology 17, 300–312.
HAYNES, S. G., FEINLEIB, M., & KANNEL, W. B. (1980). The relationship of psychosocial factors to coronary heart disease in the Framingham study. American Journal of Epidemiology, 111, 37–58.
HAYNES, S. G., FEINLEIB, M., LEVINE, S., SCOTCH, N. A., & KANNEL, W. B. (1978). The relationship of psychosocial factors for coronary heart disease in the Framingham study. II. Prevalence of coronary heart disease. American Journal of Epidemiology, 107, 384–402.
MATTHEWS, K. A., BEANE, W. E., HELMREICH, R. J., & LUCKER, G. W. (1980). Pattern A, achievement striving, and scientific merit: Does pattern A help or hinder? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 39, 962–967.
MATTHEWS, K. A., & SIEGEL, J. M. (1983). Type A behaviors by children, social comparison and standards for self-evaluation. Developmental Psychology, 19, 135–140.
MATTHEWS, K. A., & VOLKIN, J. I. (1981). Efforts to excel and the Type A behavior pattern in children. Child Development, 52, 1283–1289.
READER, M. J., & DOLLINGER, S. J. (1982). Deadlines, self-perceptions, and intrinsic motivation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 8, 742–747.
ROSENMAN, R. H. (1990). Type A behavior pattern: A personal overview. Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 5, 1–24.
SMITH, T. W., HOUSTON, B. K., & ZURAWSKI, R. M. (1983). The Framingham Type A scale and anxiety, irrational beliefs, and self-control. Journal of Human Stress, 3, 32–37.
STRUBE, M. J. (1987). A self-appraisal model of the Type A behavior pattern. Perspectives in Personality, 2, 201–250.
VAN EGEREN, L. F. (1990). A “success trap” theory of Type A behavior: Historical background. Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 5, 45–58.
WALDRON, I., HICKEY, A., MCPHERSON, C., BUTENSKY, A., GRUSS, L., OVERALL, K., SCHMADER, A., & WOLMUTH, D. (1980). Type A behavior pattern: Relationship to variation in blood pressure, parental characteristics, and academic and social activities of students. Journal of Human Stress, 6, 16–27.
WOLF, G. A., JR., & WOLFF, H. G. (1946). Studies on the nature of certain symptoms associated with cardiovascular disorders. Psychosomatic Medicine, 8, 293–297.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lawler, K.A., Armstead, C.A. & Patton, E.K. Type A Behavior and Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivational Orientation in Male College Students. Psychol Rec 41, 335–342 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395116
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395116