Validity of Type D personality in Iceland: association with disease severity and risk markers in cardiac patients

• Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine
• Main Authors: Svansdottir, E. (Erla), Karlsson, H.D. (Hrobjartur), Gudnason, T. (Thorarinn), Olason, D.T. (Daniel), Thorgilsson, H. (Hordur), Sigtryggsdottir, U. (Unnur), Sijbrands, E.J.G. (Eric), Pedersen, S.S. (Susanne), Denollet, J. (Johan)
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: Coronary heart disease; DS14; Disease severity; Health-related risk markers; Personality; Validity; Iceland
• Online Access: http://repub.eur.nl/pub/33681; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-011-9337-5

Type D personality has been associated with poor prognosis in cardiac patients. This study investigated the validity of the Type D construct in Iceland and its association with disease severity and health-related risk markers in cardiac patients. A sample of 1,452 cardiac patients completed the Type D scale (DS14), and a subgroup of 161 patients completed measurements for the five-factor model of personality, emotional control, anxiety, depression, stress and lifestyle factors. The Icelandic DS14 had good psychometric properties and its construct validity was confirmed. Prevalence of Type D was 26-29%, and assessment of Type D personality was not confounded by severity of underlying coronary artery disease. Regarding risk markers, Type D patients reported more psychopharmacological medication use and smoking, but frequency of previous mental problems was similar across groups. Type D is a valid personality construct in Iceland, and is associated with health-related risk markers, but not cardiac disease severity.