Type D personality in the general population:a systematic review of health status, mechanisms of disease, and work-related problems

BACKGROUND: The objective was to review all available literature concerning Type D (distressed) personality among the general population and to discuss its implications for research on health status, disease-promoting mechanisms and work-related problems in non-clinical populations. METHODS: A computerized search of the literature was performed independently and in duplicate by both investigators on December 21(st), 2009. Published research reports were included if they studied Type D personality among the general population. Nineteen articles were selected and they were subjected to an 11-item standardised quality checklist by both investigators. RESULTS: The methodological quality of the selected studies was adequate to high. The studies included in this review showed that the presence of Type D characteristics had a negative impact on mental health status (more symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental distress, passive coping, and less social support) and physical health status (more somatic complaints, lower health status, more influenza-like illness reporting). Other studies reported on behavioral and biological mechanisms of disease in apparently healthy individuals with a Type D personality. Finally, some studies also showed a negative effect of Type D personality on work-related problems (higher absence-leave, higher levels of vital exhaustion and burnout, and more work-related stress). CONCLUSIONS: Type D personality is a vulnerability factor for general psychological distress that affects mental and physical health status and is associated with disease-promoting mechanisms and work-related problems in apparently healthy individuals

Explaining heterogeneity in the predictive value of Type D personality for cardiac events and mortality

AbstractBackgroundType D personality has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, large heterogeneity exists between Type D studies, including some studies reporting null-findings.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine i) choice of endpoint and ii) age as two study characteristics that may partly explain this large heterogeneity in the Type D associated prognostic effect.MethodsWe used four existing data cohorts of 1503 CAD patients (89% male, mean age=57.2±9.1) with baseline measures of Type D and endpoints >5years follow-up: major adverse cardiac events (MACE), cardiac death/MI, and non-cardiac death. Patients were classified in 4 age categories: <50y, 50–59y, 60–69y and ≥70y. Multiple logistic regression models included age, sex, and clinical covariates.ResultsAt follow-up, there were 295 events, including 116 cardiac death/MI, and 37 non-cardiac deaths. Both continuous and categorical measures of Type D predicted adverse events. Type D was independently associated with MACE (OR=1.82; 95%CI 1.33–2.50) and cardiac death/MI (OR=2.49; 95%CI 1.55–3.99). However, Type D was not associated with non-cardiac death (OR=1.23; 95%CI 0.57–2.69). Regarding age, Type D consistently predicted MACE in the lower age groups (all ORs≥2.20, all ps≤.004), but not in patients aged ≥70y (OR=1.43, p=.57).ConclusionsChoice of endpoint and age modulated the risk conferred by Type D personality. Type D was associated with an increased risk of cardiac events, but not with non-cardiac death, or with events in patients aged ≥70y. Research on psychosocial risk in CAD should account for different sources of heterogeneity in study characteristics

A review and conceptual model of the association of Type D personality with suicide risk

The role of personality as distal risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behavior is still unclear. This review aims to propose two conceptual models that explain the psychological plausibility of Type D personality as distal risk factor and contributor to the transition from general to suicide distress. To support this aim, we performed a systematic review of existing studies on the association between Type D personality and suicidal distress. A systematic search yielded eight studies that reported on Type D personality and suicidal distress. Type D personality was robustly associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors, across populations and countries. Type D was related to the level/frequency of suicidal ideation in seven studies, and suicide attempt in two studies. Our first theoretical model identifies intra-psychic (depression, alcohol misuse, posttraumatic stress) and interpersonal (low belonging, social isolation, lack of support) vulnerabilities of individuals with Type D that may fuel the development of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Type D by itself will not account for why people become suicidal, but our second theoretical model suggests that the avoidant-passive tendencies of Type D individuals may result in persistent problem-solving deficits, and, eventually, feelings of entrapment that may contribute to the desire to escape from pain. We conclude that empirical evidence supports the hypothesized link between Type D personality, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Our conceptual models – albeit often supported by indirect evidence - further substantiate the plausibility of this link, and offer concrete guidance for future studies. Primarily, more longitudinal research is necessary