PERSONALITY-FACTORS AND BLOOD-PRESSURE IN CHILDREN

The relationship between personality factors and blood pressure among children was studied. Children having blood pressures at or above the 85th percentile for their age group were compared with a group of age- and sex-matched children whose blood pressures were at or near the 50th percentile. Comparisons were made on a test of the Type A-B Personality Pattern and on a measure of assertiveness. Results failed to indicate statistically significant differences between these groups. These results are discussed with reference to the question of personality-pattern changes as a cause or effect of blood pressure elevations. © 1979.