Final answer:
Frank Farley characterized the Type T personality as thrill-seeking and adventurous, often seeking out activities that provide a natural high or adrenaline rush. This personality type seeks challenges and excitement, contrasting with Type A's driven nature and Type B's laid-back demeanor. Type T and its contrast with Type A and Type B personalities can be understood within the framework of trait theories of personality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Frank Farley characterized the Type T personality as one that thrives on thrill and adventure. Unlike the well-studied Type A and Type B personalities, the Type T personality is defined by behaviors and desires that seek out excitement and potential risk. This includes engagement in activities that provide a natural high or adrenaline rush. People with a Type T personality may exhibit traits such as being thrill-seeking, adventurous, restless, and at times even risking personal safety to seek challenges that provide excitement. They may also be creative, innovative, and tolerant of ambiguity. This personality type contrasts with those mentioned in the Friedman and Rosenman study, which focused on the link between Type A behaviors—such as being driven and workaholic—and heart disease, as opposed to the more laid-back nature of Type B individuals.
The concept of the Type T personality fits within broader trait theory, which suggests that individual personality can be understood through characteristic ways of behaving or stable personality traits. Trait theorists like Gordon Allport and the Five Factor Model (also known as the Big Five) have identified key dimensions that differentiate individuals and explain various behaviors.