As social beings, humans naturally live in groups among many others. Each individual’s personality traits vary, and there are numerous theories to categorize and explain these differences.
Recently, the “MBTI” has gained popularity, but many other theories exist.
“The ‘E on the Forehead’ Experiment Conducted in Japan”
In Japan, there is significant interest in categorizing and understanding people’s personalities. Professor Gou Sakai, a Japanese psychologist, conducted an experiment called the “E on the Forehead” to study human self-awareness.
The experiment was simple: participants were asked to draw the letter “E” on their forehead. The results could only fall into one of two categories.
One way is to draw the “E” from the perspective of the person themselves, and the other is to draw it so that it appears correctly to someone looking at them. Therefore, one result would look like a standard “E,” and the other would be a mirror image.
“Drawing the ‘E’ from One’s Own Perspective”
When participants drew the “E” from their own perspective, it indicated high private self-consciousness. This means they are less conscious of others’ perspectives and tend to act based on their own way.
Individuals with high private self-consciousness prioritize their own view of themselves and value their thoughts and beliefs over others’ opinions.
“Drawing the ‘E’ from Another’s Perspective”
Conversely, if the “E” was drawn to be correct from another person’s viewpoint, indicating a mirror image from their own perspective, it showed high public self-consciousness.
These individuals are more aware of how others perceive them and tend to act based on this awareness. They often think, “How will others view me?” and are sensitive to their surroundings and others’ opinions.
“What About South Korea?”
The EBS documentary “The Two Faces of Humanity” once conducted a similar experiment on the streets of South Korea. Passersby were asked to draw an “E” on their forehead.
The results showed that about 70% drew the “E” from another’s perspective, while 30% drew it from their own perspective.
Given South Korea’s increasing Western influence and transition from a developing to a developed country, societal attitudes are changing. If the experiment were repeated today, different results might emerge. However, in the past, the higher proportion of people considering others’ perspectives reflects a collectivist culture that values others’ views.