Physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms develop.

Hans Selye, a famous stress researcher, once defined stress as the “response of the body to any demand, whether it is caused by, or results in, pleasant or unpleasant conditions” (Selye, 1976, p. 74).

Examples of life stresses are:

• The death of a loved one.
• Divorce.
• Loss of a job.
• Increase in financial obligations.
• Getting married.
• Moving to a new home.
• Chronic illness or injury.
• Emotional problems (depression, anxiety, anger, grief, guilt, low self-esteem)

• Physical symptoms of stress include:
• Aches and pains.
• Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing.
• Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.
• Headaches, dizziness or shaking.
• High blood pressure.
• Muscle tension or jaw clenching.
• Stomach or digestive problems.

Those aged 18-33 years old suffer the highest levels of stress in the nation, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

For example, the endocrinologist Hans Selye, a famous stress researcher, once defined stress as the “response of the body to any demand, whether it is caused by, or results in, pleasant or unpleasant conditions” (Selye, 1976, p. 74).

What is a major criticism of both the stimulus- and response-based definitions of stress? As stress levels increase from low to moderate, performance also increases.

Friedman and Rosenman (1976) labeled this behavior Type A personality. They subsequently conduced research to show that people with type A personality run a higher risk of heart disease and high blood pressure than type Bs.

Although the findings vary across studies, all of the Big Five personality traits have been linked to self-reported health, with Conscientiousness generally showing the strongest and most consistent effects (Hampson, Goldberg, Vogt, & Dubanoski, 2006; Takahashi, Edmonds, Jackson, & Roberts, 2013).

Research suggests that people with certain personality traits are more likely to have anxiety. For example, children who are perfectionists, easily flustered, timid, inhibited, lack self-esteem or want to control everything, sometimes develop anxiety during childhood, adolescence or as adults.

July 22, 2003 — The classic Type A personality — competitive, impatient, uptight — is a heart attack waiting to happen. And that heart attack will likely happen sooner rather than later. A new study teases out the fine points of personality and heart disease risk.

Key Differences Between Type A and Type B Personality Type A personality is one which is stress-prone, in a hurry, impatient and fast in whatever they do. Type B personality is one which is less stress-prone patient, relaxed, easy-going and lacks time-urgency.

Type A personalities are often viewed as rude and impatient workaholics. The stigma of being viewed by society as overly competitive, abrupt and angry may cause those who exhibit the type A personality traits to feel hostility in the social environment.

People with the type A personality are ambitious, competitive, driven and time-conscious. This type is easily aroused to anger and they tend to see worse in things. Typical response to stress for people with this personality is hostility or anger.

Tips for living well with a type A personality

1. Find your triggers. Everyone has different stress triggers.
2. Take breaks.
3. Make time for exercise.
4. Practice self-care.
5. Learn new relaxation techniques.
6. Talk to a therapist.