Subjects (N = 98) were randomly assigned to high- and low-responsibili
ty conditions in a commitment-escalation experiment. Global Type A beh
avior pattern and the underlying dimension of achievement strivings we
re positively related to the desire to continue the same course of act
ion in the high prior-responsibility condition but not in the low prio
r-responsibility condition. These findings are discussed in terms of f
uture research into the judgment processes of people with Type A perso
nality and the possible role of escalating commitment in disorders exp
erienced by people with Type A personality.