Type A behavior in children: what a pediatric nurse practitioner needs to know.

Type A behavior has been shown in adults to be a predictor of heart disease equal in magnitude to cigarette smoking and cholesterol level. This article reviews current thinking on Type A behavior and its relationship to cardiovascular health. Particular emphasis is given to current literature about Type A behavior in adolescents, school-aged children, and preschoolers. Discussion covers the importance of the primary subcomponents of Type A behavior (i.e., competitiveness, hostility, and impatience). Clinical cautions and applications of this research are included.