[2023] What is Type D Personality Type?

Type D personality is a concept in medical psychology that describes individuals who have a tendency towards negative affectivity and social inhibition. The term “Type D” stands for “distressed.” People with Type D personality often experience negative emotions such as worry, irritability, and gloom, and they tend to inhibit themselves in social situations, lacking self-assurance and reticence.

Table of Contents

• Quick Answer
• Quick Tips and Facts
• Background
• Characteristics of Type D Personality
• Assessment of Type D Personality
• The Relationship Between Type D Personality and Health
• Coping Strategies for Type D Individuals
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recommended Links
• Reference Links

Quick Answer

Type D personality is characterized by a tendency towards negative affectivity and social inhibition. Individuals with Type D personality often experience negative emotions and inhibit themselves in social situations. This personality type is prevalent in the general population and is associated with various health outcomes. Assessing Type D personality can be done using the Type D Scale (DS14), a questionnaire that measures negative affectivity and social inhibition.

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Quick Tips and Facts

• Type D personality is characterized by negative affectivity and social inhibition.
• Negative affectivity includes emotions such as worry, irritability, and gloom.
• Social inhibition involves reticence and a lack of self-assurance in social situations.
• Type D personality is prevalent in the general population, with a range of 18% to 53% in cardiac patients.
• Early studies suggested a worse prognosis in coronary artery disease patients with Type D personality, but larger studies have failed to replicate these findings.
• The Type D Scale (DS14) is a commonly used questionnaire to assess Type D personality.

Background

Type D personality was first introduced as a concept in medical psychology to describe individuals who exhibit a combination of negative affectivity and social inhibition. Negative affectivity refers to the tendency to experience negative emotions such as worry, irritability, and gloom. Social inhibition, on the other hand, involves reticence and a lack of self-assurance in social situations.

The term “Type D” stands for “distressed,” reflecting the emotional distress experienced by individuals with this personality type. Type D personality has been studied in various populations, including the general population and individuals with specific health conditions.

Characteristics of Type D Personality

Type D personality is characterized by specific traits and behaviors. Here are some key characteristics of individuals with Type D personality:

1. Negative affectivity: People with Type D personality often experience a range of negative emotions, including worry, irritability, and gloom. They may have a tendency to focus on negative aspects of life and perceive situations in a pessimistic manner.

2. Social inhibition: Individuals with Type D personality tend to inhibit themselves in social situations. They may feel uncomfortable or anxious when interacting with others and may struggle with expressing themselves or initiating conversations.

3. Reticence: Type D individuals may be reserved and hesitant to share their thoughts and feelings with others. They may prefer to keep their emotions to themselves and avoid drawing attention to themselves in social settings.

4. Lack of self-assurance: People with Type D personality often lack self-confidence and may doubt their abilities or worth. They may feel insecure about themselves and their interactions with others, leading to a reluctance to take risks or assert themselves.

5. Emotional distress: Type D personality is associated with higher levels of emotional distress, including symptoms of anxiety and depression. These individuals may experience a greater burden of psychological symptoms compared to those without Type D personality.

It’s important to note that Type D personality is not a clinical diagnosis but rather a personality trait that exists on a continuum. Not everyone with negative affectivity and social inhibition will meet the criteria for Type D personality.

Assessment of Type D Personality

Assessing Type D personality can be done using the Type D Scale (DS14), a widely used questionnaire developed by Denollet. The DS14 consists of 14 items that measure both negative affectivity and social inhibition. Individuals rate the extent to which they agree or disagree with statements such as “I often feel unhappy” and “I am a closed kind of person” on a Likert scale.

The DS14 provides scores for both negative affectivity and social inhibition, allowing individuals to be classified into four categories: Type D personality, non-Type D personality, high negative affectivity only, and high social inhibition only. The Type D personality category is characterized by high scores on both negative affectivity and social inhibition.

It’s important to note that the DS14 is a self-report measure and may be subject to biases or inaccuracies. It should be used as a tool for self-reflection and discussion with a qualified professional rather than as a definitive diagnosis.

The Relationship Between Type D Personality and Health

Type D personality has been studied in relation to various health outcomes, particularly in the context of cardiovascular health. Here are some key findings regarding the relationship between Type D personality and health:

1. Cardiovascular health: Early studies suggested that Type D personality was associated with a worse prognosis in individuals with coronary artery disease. However, subsequent larger studies have failed to replicate these findings consistently. The relationship between Type D personality and cardiovascular health outcomes remains complex and requires further research.

2. Psychological well-being: Type D personality is associated with higher levels of psychological distress, including symptoms of anxiety and depression. Individuals with Type D personality may be more prone to experiencing emotional difficulties and may benefit from interventions targeting their psychological well-being.

3. Quality of life: Type D personality has been linked to lower quality of life in various populations, including individuals with chronic illnesses and cardiac patients. The negative affectivity and social inhibition associated with Type D personality can impact an individual’s overall well-being and satisfaction with life.

4. Health behaviors: Some research suggests that individuals with Type D personality may be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle. These behaviors can have negative implications for overall health and well-being.

It’s important to note that the relationship between Type D personality and health outcomes is complex and influenced by various factors, including individual differences, social support, and coping strategies. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these relationships.

Coping Strategies for Type D Individuals

If you identify with Type D personality traits, there are strategies you can employ to cope with the challenges associated with this personality type. Here are some helpful coping strategies:

1. Self-awareness: Developing self-awareness can help you recognize and understand your negative emotions and social inhibitions. Take time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings, and consider seeking professional help, such as counseling or therapy, to gain deeper insights into your personality and coping mechanisms.

2. Social support: Building a strong support network of friends, family, or support groups can provide you with a sense of belonging and understanding. Surround yourself with people who accept and support you, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed.

3. Stress management: Engaging in stress-reducing activities can help alleviate the negative impact of Type D personality traits. Explore different stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, exercise, or hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation.

4. Communication skills: Improving your communication skills can help you overcome social inhibitions and express yourself more effectively. Practice active listening, assertiveness, and empathy to enhance your interpersonal interactions.

5. Positive mindset: Cultivating a positive mindset can counterbalance the negative affectivity associated with Type D personality. Focus on gratitude, positive affirmations, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Remember that coping strategies may vary for each individual, and it’s important to find what works best for you. Seeking professional guidance can provide personalized support and guidance tailored to your specific needs.

FAQ

What is type D personality trait?

Type D personality is a psychological trait characterized by a tendency towards negative affectivity and social inhibition. Individuals with Type D personality often experience negative emotions such as worry, irritability, and gloom, and they tend to inhibit themselves in social situations, lacking self-assurance and reticence.

What does the D in type D personality stand for?

The “D” in Type D personality stands for “distressed.” It reflects the emotional distress experienced by individuals with this personality type, who often experience negative affectivity and social inhibition.

Read more about “… What do the 16 Personality Types Stand For?”

What personality is type C?

Type C personality is a psychological trait characterized by a tendency towards conscientiousness, caution, and compliance. Individuals with Type C personality are often detail-oriented, analytical, and focused on accuracy. They may be reserved and prefer to follow rules and guidelines.

Read more about “… Types of Personality Traits: A Comprehensive Guide”

What is the D behavior style?

The D behavior style, also known as the Dominant behavior style, is one of the four behavior styles identified in the DISC model of human behavior. Individuals with a D behavior style are typically direct, assertive, and results-oriented. They are often driven, decisive, and prefer taking charge of situations.

Read more about “… The Sigma Male: Traits, Characteristics, and Lifestyle Explained”

Conclusion

Type D personality is a psychological trait characterized by a tendency towards negative affectivity and social inhibition. Individuals with Type D personality often experience negative emotions and inhibit themselves in social situations. While Type D personality is not a clinical diagnosis, it can have implications for various aspects of health and well-being.

Assessing Type D personality can be done using the Type D Scale (DS14), a questionnaire that measures negative affectivity and social inhibition. It’s important to remember that Type D personality exists on a continuum, and not everyone with negative affectivity and social inhibition will meet the criteria for Type D personality.

If you identify with Type D personality traits, there are coping strategies you can employ to manage the challenges associated with this personality type. Building self-awareness, seeking social support, practicing stress management techniques, improving communication skills, and cultivating a positive mindset can all contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Remember, embracing your personality traits and seeking support when needed can lead to personal growth and well-being. If you have concerns about your mental health or well-being, it’s always recommended to consult with a qualified mental health professional.

Recommended Links

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
• Personality Traits
• Personality and Behavior
• Type A and Type B Personalities
• What do the 16 Personality Types Stand For?

Shopping Links: Shop Type D Personality Books on Amazon | Shop Personality Assessment Tools on Amazon

Reference Links

• Type D personality – Wikipedia
• Denollet, J. (2005). DS14: Standard assessment of negative affectivity, social inhibition, and Type D personality. Psychosomatic Medicine, 67(1), 89-97.
• Pelle, A. J., Denollet, J., Zwisler, A. D., Pedersen, S. S., & Christensen, B. (2010). Overlap and distinctiveness of psychological risk factors in patients with ischemic heart disease and chronic heart failure: Are we there yet? Journal of Affective Disorders, 125(1-3), 113-120.
• Pedersen, S. S., Denollet, J., & Ong, A. T. (2004). Prevalence, clinical characteristics, and primary diagnoses of patients with a Type D personality: A review. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 73(6), 363-371.