Personality type D, stress reactivity and autonomic balance in healthy young people: gender and ethnic characteristics

Abstract

Objective. To assess the association of personality type D with stress reactivity and autonomic balance among medical students, depending on gender and nationality. Design and methods. The study included 188 healthy students aged 18 to 23 years (median 18,0 ± 1,0 years), Russian speakers and residents of India. To determine the type of personality D used questionnaire DS-14. All examined were divided into two groups: with the presence of personality type D (n = 67) and without personality type D (n = 121). Additionally, groups of male students with type D (n = 24) and without type D (n = 63) and female students with type D (n = 43) and without type D (n = 58) were identified. We evaluated the psychophysical stress test “Mathematical Account” and indicators of variational pulsometry at rest. Results. When examining medical students, personality type D was detected in 27,5 % girls and 42,6 % boys (p = 0,03). When analyzing ethnic differences among Indian students, type D was detected in 42,6 % cases, among Russian-speaking students in 32,8 % (p = 0,21). Among the examined, there was no effect of type D on the test with an oral count, in the whole cohort, as well as in boys and girls. Logistic regression analysis in young men showed a pronounced relationship between Indian nationality and the presence of personality type D (p < 0,001). Conclusions. The influence of multidirectional factors (gender, nationality) can offset the influence of personality type D on the studied psychophysiological mechanisms and determine the heterogeneity of the influence of personality type D on the course of the disease in the general cohort.

Coping Strategies In Young Healthy Individuals With Type D Personality

“…The very fact of using inadequate strategies to cope with stress could account for the mechanism of the type D personality negative influence on the patient's prognosis. This explains the previously obtained data on the absence of increased stress reactivity in people with type D personality [7,20]; an inadequate response is manifested by a subjective feeling of an increased level of stress [19]. Besides, identifying inappropriate coping strategies could be a target for subsequent behavioral interventions; in particular, individuals with type D personality could be helped to develop new adaptive coping strategies.…”

“…Their mean age was 19.1±2.0 years. The assessment of their health level was previously described [7]. All studies were conducted in laboratory settings in the morning hours (from 8.00 to 12.00), with good overall health condition and performance capability.…”

“…Additional analysis showed the heterogeneity of the type D influenced the prognosis depending on the stage of the disease development (CAD or CHF), age, and used endpoints [6]. In addition, ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic factors, along with cross-cultural differences [7], could also affect the predictive value of type D personality, as shown by a number of studies in Asian countries and Russia, the data on which were summarized in a recent review [8]. At present, the following question seems to be the most urgent: is it possible to influence patients with type D personality to improve the prognosis?…”