On the Basic Connotation and Characteristics of Confucian Cultural Psychology

Confucian cultural psychology is a psychological discipline that studies Confucian culture mind, Which refers to the meanings of stimuli, situations, events, the world, etc. endowed or constructed by Confucian culture during its formation and development, as well as the psychological reactions or behavioral patterns regulated or constrained by these meanings. It is the mental characteristics of the “gentleman” (the ideal persona in Confucian culture) and the mainstay of Chinese cultural mind. It has the following basic properties and characteristics: (1) A humanistic-people-oriented concept and value pursuit with Ren (benevolence) as the core; (2) An introspective method of seeking understanding through the Xin (heart or mind); (3) The family-state sentiment, life attitude, and sense of mission embodied in the concept of “cultivating the self, regulating the family, governing the state, and pacifying the world”; (4) The life principle of “He (和: harmony) is precious”; (5) A practical rationality that advocates pragmatism and earnest action; (6) The concept of win-win cooperation for the great harmony of the world and the psychological quality of working for the common good.