Personality correlates of the Jenkins Activity Survey

Over 700 college students completed the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) along with 11 other personality scales in an attempt to identify the personality correlates of this scale. These 11 personality variables were analyzed to determine their contribution to a discriminant solution between extreme high scores (supposedly true Type As) and low scores (supposedly true Type Bs) as measured by the JAS. The results revealed that relative to those participants who were classified as Type Bs, those classified as Type As exhibited significantly greater status concern, less alexithymia, more misanthropy, and greater life satisfaction. Self-esteem and related self-concepts did not differ significantly between these two groups. These findings challenge the validity of this instrument as a measure of Type A trait.