Type A and type B behaviors and factors related to job satisfaction among male white-collar workers

Numerous studies have examined the health effects of Type A behavior and job satisfaction/dissatisfaction, but we know very little about the relationship between aspects of the work environment related to job satisfaction and the Type A behavior pattern. In the present study, we analyzed data concerning work stressors, private aspects of life, and job satisfaction among male white-collar workers (n=657) in a large steel company, and identified the respective aspects of the work environment related to job satisfaction among groups divided by Type A/B behavior patterns. We found that the nature of predictors for job satisfaction varied with the behavior type. 'Being not busy at work' (p<0.001) and 'working more than 10 hours per day' (p<0.05) were significant predictors of job satisfaction among the Type A workers while 'working less than 10 hours per day' (p<0.05) and 'can learn new things at work' (p<0.01) were significant predictors of job satisfaction among the Type B workers. 'Work performance is evaluated' was a significant predictor of job satisfaction among all three behavior types (A, B, and A/B). Our results can provide information useful for the creation of programs to lower the level of job dissatisfaction and mental stress depending upon the behavior type of employees.