Final answer:
Type A individuals are more likely to suffer from heart attacks due to their driven, competitive nature and potentially have higher levels of hostility, whereas Type B individuals are more laid-back and have a lower prevalence of heart disease. So the correct answer is option (A).
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the research by Friedman and Rosenman, certain personality traits can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease. They found that Type A individuals who are intensely driven, competitive, and always in a rush have a significantly higher chance of suffering from heart attacks. In contrast, those with a Type B personality are more relaxed and take a laid-back approach to life, which is associated with a lower prevalence of heart disease.
Friedman and Rosenman observed that heart disease was over seven times more frequent among Type A personalities compared to Type B. Additionally, they noted that the anger/hostility dimension of Type A behavior may be a critical factor in the development of heart disease.
However, subsequent research has indicated that not all aspects of the Type A behavior pattern predict heart disease, leading researchers to focus on specific elements such as suppressed hostility and anger levels as more accurate predictors. Nonetheless, the initial association between a Type A behavior pattern and increased cardiovascular risk has played a substantial role in how we understand the impact of psychological factors on heart health.