Type A behavior pattern in Japanese employees: cross-cultural comparison of major factors in Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) responses.

The responses to the Japanese edition of the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) (Form C) were analyzed in 1682 male employees of a Japanese enterprise to investigate the characteristics of the Type A behavior pattern (TABP) in Japan. When the occupational level was controlled, the mean values of the Type A score were found to be quite similar to those of the Western Collaborative Group Study (WCGS), although those of factor H scores were considerably lower than those of the WCGS. Additionally, the results of a factor analysis conducted on the responses to JAS questions showed that the factor structure of the responses was basically equal to that found in the WCGS. In contrast to factor J of the WCGS, however, Japanese factor J did not comprise the items which signaled rises in positions or incomes in recent years. The results of this study indicate that the JAS is able to measure the TABP in Japan, at least concerning its three component factors. Furthermore, they suggest that the TAPB is not necessarily reinforced in Japanese occupational environments.