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<p>Against the backdrop of the ongoing indigenization of psychology in China, this study addresses the need to integrate traditional cultural resources into contemporary psychological discourse. Focusing on Chinese logographic characters as carriers of cultural and psychological meaning, this paper examines the core concept of <i>Xin</i> (信, often translated as trust or faith) through a dual approach of literature review and textual analysis. An etymological and conceptual investigation is conducted on <i>Xin</i> and its semantically related characters, <i>Fu</i> (孚), <i>Cheng</i> (诚), and <i>Zhong</i> (中). The analysis reveals that <i>Xin</i> transcends the common understanding of interpersonal honesty. Through its variant forms <i>Xin</i> (訫, words from the heart) and <i>Xin</i> (孞, <i>Xin</i> as a seed in heart), and through its deep connections with <i>Fu</i> (symbolizing nurturing trust), <i>Cheng</i> (representing heavenly sincerity), and <i>Zhong</i>/<i>Zhong</i> (中/忠, centrality and loyalty), <i>Xin</i> emerges as a foundational archetype associated with inner authenticity, existential certainty, and cosmic order. We argue that <i>Xin</i> underpins the stability of an individual’s inner psychological world and facilitates harmonious coexistence with society and nature. It serves as the cornerstone of psychological development and an ideal state of personal integrity. This study offers a novel theoretical framework for understanding trust, integrity, and belief within Chinese culture and contributes to the advancement of Chinese cultural psychology. Future research could focus on the operational application and empirical studies of <i>Xin</i>.</p>

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The Psychological Significance of the Chinese Character Xin in Chinese Culture

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月15日

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  • Lining Lin,
  • Changyu Sun

摘要

Against the backdrop of the ongoing indigenization of psychology in China, this study addresses the need to integrate traditional cultural resources into contemporary psychological discourse. Focusing on Chinese logographic characters as carriers of cultural and psychological meaning, this paper examines the core concept of Xin (信, often translated as trust or faith) through a dual approach of literature review and textual analysis. An etymological and conceptual investigation is conducted on Xin and its semantically related characters, Fu (孚), Cheng (诚), and Zhong (中). The analysis reveals that Xin transcends the common understanding of interpersonal honesty. Through its variant forms Xin (訫, words from the heart) and Xin (孞, Xin as a seed in heart), and through its deep connections with Fu (symbolizing nurturing trust), Cheng (representing heavenly sincerity), and Zhong/Zhong (中/忠, centrality and loyalty), Xin emerges as a foundational archetype associated with inner authenticity, existential certainty, and cosmic order. We argue that Xin underpins the stability of an individual’s inner psychological world and facilitates harmonious coexistence with society and nature. It serves as the cornerstone of psychological development and an ideal state of personal integrity. This study offers a novel theoretical framework for understanding trust, integrity, and belief within Chinese culture and contributes to the advancement of Chinese cultural psychology. Future research could focus on the operational application and empirical studies of Xin.