Stress is the feeling of not having any control and it’s an unavoidable consequence of life. Everyone experiences some type of stress throughout their lives, especially high school students.

A major factor that influences stress is aspects of your personality. Your personality is a reflections of your attitudes and the way you communicate your attitudes about others and yourself.

There are two personality types: Type A and Type B. Here’s 20 Questions to help you determine what personality type you are, using this rating scale:

5 = Usually   4 = Often   3 = Occasionally   2 = Seldom   1 = Rarely

1. I work at a fast pace.

2. I work on days off.

3. I set short deadlines for myself.

4. I enjoy work/school more than other activities.

5. I talk and walk fast.

6. I set high standards for myself and I work hard to meet them.

7. I enjoy competition. I work/play to win; I do not like to lose.

8. I skip lunch or eat it fast when there is work to do.

9. I’m in a hurry.

10. I do more than one thing at a time.

11. I’m angry and upset.

12. I get nervous or anxious when I have to wait.

13. I measure progress in terms of time and performance.

14. I push myself to the point of getting tired.

15. I take on more work when I already have plenty to do.

16. I take criticism as a personal put-down of my ability.

17. I try to outperform my coworkers/classmates.

18. I get upset when my routine has to be changed.

19. I consistently try to get more done in less time.

20. I compare my accomplishments with others who are highly productive.

Add up your score.

• 61-100: Type A
• 20-59: Type B
• 60: Balance of each (idealistic)

Type A

The Type A person is very competitive, often impatient and feels that he or she must be successful. This person is aggressive and driven to work hard. They often feel that time is of the essence and, therefore, move and talk rapidly. Type A persons are usually impatient listeners. Because they are do driven, Type A persons are more at risk and susceptible to coronary heart disease and other stress-related diseases.

Type B

The Type B person is more laid back and less hurried. This person is usually patient, noncompetitive and nonaggressive. They are more passive and tend to keep things inside. A Type B person is at a higher risk and more susceptible to arthritis, cancer and depression.

We need a balance! You don’t want to be slanted toward one side or the other. We want to be in the middle, where you will experience stress more healthily.

“A’s” must develop some traits to slow down

• Relax
• Exercise
• Eat properly
• Delegate responsibility

“B’s” must develop some assertiveness

• Set goals
• Get things done
• Voice concerns

This stress test was adapted from Ms. Rummel’s Stress Management class.