Social Elite in Imperial China: Their Destinies as Documented by the Historical Literature and Their Personality as Defined by the Contemporary Five-Factor Model

Background: The association between personality and life outcome has been widely studied in Western countries, one might question whether the exists China. official documentation from Twenty-Six Histories of Imperial China, which presents life-long data on social elite, may offer a convenient way to realize this effort. Meanwhile, possible help identify competent personalities treatment hints for disorders or other psychiatric deviations worldwide. Methods: Based these historical records (about 618–1911 AD) 18 elite groups with long longevity (Macrobian group) 30 normal lifespans (Control group), we assessed traits/facets using revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) destiny Destiny Evaluation Questionnaire (DEQ). Results: Compared Controls, Macrobian group scored higher DEQ’s Health General lower NEO-PI-R traits Openness Experience Extraversion facets such as Fantasy, Aesthetics, Feelings, Excitement-Seeking, Self-Consciousness. In group, Trust Compliance predicted Family Marriage Social Relationships aspects, respectively; Conscientiousness its Dutifulness, Self-Discipline, Competence Marriage, Career Achievement, General, Self-Consciousness facet worse performance Depression General. Control Feelings positively Anxiety negatively Health. Conclusions: Less self-focused attention more interdependence individuals were beneficial several aspects individual be profound career development clinical contemporary society.