A Psychological Inquiry into Confucius’ Doctrine of the Mean (Jungyong): A Philosophical Foundation for Emotional Regulation and the Sense of Balance

This study reinterprets Confucius’ concept of Jungyong (Doctrine of the Mean) from a psychological perspective. It explores ways to restore emotional stability and self-regulation in contemporary society characterized by heightened emotional fluctuations. Jungyong served as a central notion of harmony and balance in ancient Confucian philosophy. Today, it offers a philosophical foundation applicable to emotion regulation and resilience theories in psychology. This study compares Jungyong’s core principles with emotion regulation theory and cognitive behavioral theory. It also examines its applicability to the emotional instability experienced by contemporary youth. The findings suggest that Jungyong provides an essential philosophical framework that helps individuals avoid emotional extremes and maintain inner balance, thereby enhancing self-efficacy and psychological resilience. This study proposes the potential for integrative convergence between Eastern classical philosophy and modern psychology.