Yonsei Med J.  2015 May;56(3):698-704. 10.3349/ymj.2015.56.3.698.

Relations between Eastern Four Pillars Theory and Western Measures of Personality Traits

• Jung SA
• Yang CS

• KMID: 2450343
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2015.56.3.698

Abstract

PURPOSE
The present study investigated the validity of personality classification using four pillars theory, a tradition in China and northeastern Asia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Four pillars analyses were performed for 148 adults on the basis of their birth year, month, day, and hour. Participants completed two personality tests, the Korean version of Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised-Short Version (TCI) and the Korean Inventory of Interpersonal Problems; scores were correlated with four pillars classification elements. Mean difference tests (e.g., t-test, ANOVA) were compared with groups classified by four pillars index.
RESULTS
There were no significant correlations between personality scale scores and total yin/yang number (i.e., the 8 heavenly or earthly stems), and no significant between-groups results for classifications by yin/yang day stem and the five elements. There were significant but weak (r=0.18-0.29) correlations between the five elements and personality scale scores. For the six gods and personality scales, there were significant but weak (r=0.18-0.25) correlations. Features predicted by four pillars theory were most consistent when participants were grouped according to the yin/yang of the day stem and dominance of yin/yang numbers in the eight heavenly or earthly stems.
CONCLUSION
Although the major criteria of four pillars theory were not independently correlated with personality scale scores, correlations emerged when participants were grouped according to the composite yin/yang variable. Our results suggest the utility of four pillars theory (beyond fortune telling or astrology) for classifying personality traits and making behavioral predictions.

Keyword

Yin-yang; personality tests; Eastern Asia; Western world

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adult
*Character
China
Factor Analysis, Statistical
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Personality/*classification
Personality Inventory/*statistics & numerical data
Reproducibility of Results
Republic of Korea
*Temperament
Young Adult

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