Study on the Difference of BISBAS Scale between Sasang Types

Abstract EN

Introduction.

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in temperament between So-Yang (SY) and So-Eum (SE) Sasang types using Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scale to elucidate the biopsychological mechanism underlying the Sasang typology, a traditional Korean personalized medicine.

Methods.

248 university students were categorized into three Sasang types, and series of t-tests were conducted, separately for male and female participants, to examine the difference of Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS), Behavioral Activation System (BAS), BAS-Drive (BAS-D), BAS-Fun Seeking (BAS-FS), and BAS-Reward Responsiveness (BAS-RR) scores between SY and SE Sasang types.

Results.

There were significant differences between Sasang types in the BIS/BAS subscales with consideration of gender.

In male participants, BAS-total score of SY type (39.75±4.56) was significantly (t=2.462, p=0.016) higher than that of SE type (36.68±4.97).

On the other hand, in female participants, BIS score of SY type (20.10±4.01) was significantly (t=-2.097, p=0.039) lower than that of SE type (21.83±3.91).

Discussion.

The current study suggested relationship between Sasang typology and Behavior Inhibition and Activation Systems and showed significant differences in BIS/BAS scale between SY and SE Sasang types.

Further studies on biological base of Sasang typology are needed.