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07/25/2007: "Personality Types A, B & C?"
As best as all the researchers and doctors can tell, cancer is caused by some combination of four things: Environmental Pollution (heavy metals, pesticides, chemicals, etc.), Diet, Genetics, and or Stress. Still, it is a mystery why one person is stricken and another is not. Carcinogenic pollutants are increasing on our planet at about the same growth rate as cancer. I blame un-checked big business, agriculture and the government agencies that are supposed to protect us. Genetics are something we can’t do much about. Note that none of my relatives in previous generations have died from cancer. Diet is no surprise as I have read so much to support this claim. And so that brings us to stress.
I just got done reading a book called, “You Can Fight For Your Life: Emotional Factors in the Treatment of Cancer.” As a Psychotherapist, the author did his research in the 60’s and 70’s with terminally ill cancer patients. He found that they all had certain characteristics in common. He was even able to apply the theory to a large group of unknowns, and through a couple of psychological tests, tell who was ill. So essentially, we have a Type C or cancer personality.
The National Council of Psychotherapists describes this personality as; “The Type C personality type has difficulty expressing emotion and has a tendency to bottle things up, especially anything which is bothering them. They rarely have displays to ‘de-stress’ such as shouting or throwing things and although they might feel like doing that – like any ‘normal’ person, they are able exercise extreme control over their words and behavior. This is a perfect recipe for severe stress problems and the existence of the Type C personality was first acknowledged in studies of cancer patients.” So this person does not have an outlet for anger and other emotions. People refer to them as, “She’s a saint” or “He’s such a good sweet man.” These people are found to have a high degree of emotional self-control, idealism and sense of responsibility.
The other trait found in Type C was a loss of a central (all important) relationship. This can be a loved one or a career, something to which a person gave all of their time and emotional energy. This can also mean that the person isn’t living the life that is truly their nature. This happens because they have received their reinforcement and love by pleasing others. Thus making choices based on how others will react. So as a result, there is a road not taken, a talent undeveloped, a self not recognized.
Usually we have a list of things we want to do in our lifetime. Jeanette and I were joking not long ago about a list of things I no longer have to do. One of the first items was Self Improvement. However, after reading this book, I now think I should go into therapy. While reading I spent much of the time trying to see if my life or personality fit the profile. Though I haven’t lost a central relationship, I would have to say that watching my precious child grow up with autism is a crushing blow. It has been a loss of normalcy for our family life and for her life. Everyday is a reminder of that disappointment.
I love my career and field of expertise, so I am not sure I fit the person who is not living a life that is true to them. However, I am spot on as a person who is poor at expressing anger. I have great emotional control in that area. The “Rock.” I was taught early on that anger was not to be articulated. In addition, I am also prone to have my actions driven by what others expect and might want from me. A people pleaser if you will.
So in my continuing efforts to cure myself, I now have a new front to explore. I get to try and work on changing my personality. And the next time someone is uncomfortable with your yelling and venting, you tell them that it is part of your health regimen.
