Development and validation of a questionnaire for assessment of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Five Element personality of companion canines

Item

Title

Development and validation of a questionnaire for
assessment of Traditional Chinese Veterinary
Medicine Five Element personality of companion canines

Description

Am J Trad Chin Vet Med (2020), Springer, Sandra Truli

Journal Publication

American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

issn

1945-7693

Date

2020

Language

English

Author(s)

Springer, Sandra Truli

Subject

Veterinary Medicine

Personality Tests

Five Elements

Five agents (Chinese philosophy)

Behavior, Animal

Canine

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore whether companion canine traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) Five Element personality type (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) could be determined by a questionnaire and in agreement with a TCVM clinician. The study designed an experimental questionnaire which used word association with 25 descriptive personality adjectives (Canine Five Element Personality Questionnaire) to identify a dog‟s Five Element personality type. The questionnaire was given to dog owners or an individual very familiar with the dog to fill out while waiting for a veterinary appointment. Questionnaire accuracy was evaluated and its significance assessed by correlation of its results to a Five Element personality diagnosis given by a TCVM clinician. Results from the study demonstrated that the experimental questionnaire when compared to an experienced TCVM clinician‟s assessment matched 50 out of 89 dogs. This was a 2-fold greater correlation (56.2%, range: 42.9-65% for each Element) than chance association (20%, p=6.14x10-14). This study concludes a personality questionnaire may be a useful tool to help determine Five Element personality types in companion
canines.