Abstract :
Three studies by Grossarth-Maticek and Eysenck have found that certain patterns of interpersonal reactions can be considered as risk factors for cancer and coronary heart disease. The Short Interpersonal Reactions Inventory (SIPRI) measures six types of interpersonal reaction patterns. The present study provided data on Type I (cancer-prone), Type II (coronary heart disease-prone), and Type IV (a healthy type). The SIPRI was applied to a sample of 5014 persons in Norway. In addition, demographic data and data concerning health-related behaviours were collected. Data on cancer and coronary heart disease were also provided. Finally, some complaints about health were recorded. This study provides prevalence data on Types I, II and IV in a general population. The study is the starting point of a prospective study with the aim of partly replicating the studies of Crevenka and Heidelberg. If, however, a relation is found between reaction type and subsequent development of disease, this relation may be due to initial differences between the types on age, smoking, or some other confounder. It was found that Type IV is the most common of the three recorded types, accounting for 92.5% of the sample. Only 4.3% of the persons were categorized as Type I, and 3.6% as Type II. Type IV emerged as the ‘healthiest’ on almost all recorded variables. Type IV persons were on average younger than the two other types. They also smoked less, had a healthier diet, and exercised more. Type IV behaviour also seems to be related to higher socio-economic status as measured by education and income. Type IV persons also had less complaints about their health. There were no significant differences between the three types on cancer, but Type IV persons reported significantly less heart disease than types I and II.
