The Type C Connection: The Behavioral Links to Cancer and Your Health

Examines the connection between behavior patterns and cancer, arguing that the type C personality--someone who is pleasant, helpful, rarely angry, unassertive--may contribute to cancer development

People who maintain a facade of pleasantness, never express anger and who strive excessively to please authority figures are more vulnerable to cancer, according to clinical psychologist Temoshok and science writer Dreher ( Your Defense Against Cancer ). This behavior pattern, which they dub "Type C," is typified by self-sacrificing, unassertive people who focus their attention on others and away from themselves. Based in part on Temoshok's studies of melanoma patients, the Type C personality profile in many ways resembles the behavioral patterns that Bernie Siegel, Lawrence LeShan and other writers impute to allegedly cancer-prone individuals. This popularly written book sets forth suggestions aimed at helping people change their behavior to assist cancer prevention and recovery. Despite its in-depth review of the mind-body connection, the study will not resolve the medical controversy over whether, and to what extent, emotions can affect cancer's onset or one's chances for recovery. Author tour.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Basing this book on her research into the emotional makeup of cancer victims, psychologist Temoshok describes a "Type C" personality at risk for the disease. Using clinical case studies and interviews, she illustrates ways in which the cooperative, polite Type C individual who tends to suppress anger can learn effective methods of emotional expression in order to enhance immunity and even to bring about recovery. This is geared toward a general audience but also will find a readership among psychotherapists and others concerned with the mind-body connection. Recommended for public libraries.
- Judith Eannarino, Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.