Have official studies proven links between blood types and personality traits?

Once again the question keeps popping up whether or not there is a connection between one’s blood type and personality traits. The easy way to answer would be “no” as proving something less known would be far too much work.

However: Those who believe that there are connections between your blood type and personality appear to be quite firm that there are and it appears that these claims have been made already decades ago.
The main reply to such a question would be however that the Japanese and Korean cultures include theories that indeed blood type and personality strongly relate to one another. But is it really “their theory”?

One of the reasons Japan developed the blood type personality indicator theory was in reaction against ethnic stereotypes coming from Europe. The popular belief originates with publications by Masahiko Nomi in the 1970s.

Many people have been discriminated against because of their blood type. Employers ask blood types during interviews despite the warnings they have been given. Children at schools have been split up according to their blood type. The national softball team has customized training to fit each player’s blood type. Companies have given work assignments according to their employee’s blood type.
This is related to Japan and according to Japanese blood types and personality, the personality traits based on your ABO look something like this:

Type A

People with blood type A have a deep-rooted strength that helps them stay calm in a crisis when everyone else is panicking. However, they tend to avoid confrontation, and feel very uncomfortable around people. A types are shy and sometimes withdrawn. They seek harmony and are very polite, but all the same feel that they never really fit in with others. A types are very responsible. If there is a job to be done, they prefer to take care of it themselves. These people crave success and are perfectionists. They are also very creative, and the most artistic of all the blood types, most likely because of their sensitivity.

Type B

People with blood type B are the most practical of the blood groups. They are specialists in what they do. When they start a project, they spend extra time understanding and trying to follow directions than others might. When they are doing something, all of their attention is focused on it. They tend to stick to a goal and follow it through to the end, even if it seems impossible. They tend to be less than cooperative, as they like to follow their own rules and their own ideas. They are individualists. B type people pay attention to their thoughts a little more than their feelings, and therefore can sometimes seem cold and serious.

Type O

People with blood type O people are outgoing, energetic and social. They are the most flexible of the blood types. They easily start up projects but often have trouble following through because they give up easily. They are flighty and not too dependable. O types always say what’s on their mind. They value the opinion of others and like to be the center of attention. Also, people with O blood are extremely self-confident.

Type AB

People with blood type AB are hard to categorize. They can have characteristics on both ends of the spectrum at the same time. For instance, they are both shy and outgoing. They easily switch from one opposite to another. AB people are trustworthy and responsible, but can’t handle it when too much is asked of them. They don’t mind doing favors or helping out, as long as its on their own conditions. People with this blood type are interested in art and metaphysics.

As only around 0.5% of Japanese people are rh negative, it comes to no surprise that the rh factor is not being considered in their theory as anything of significance, which is why we have developed and begun to expand our very own model of what the personality traits of rh negative might be in comparison to rh positives:,

1) Rh negatives can seem restless to others.
2) Rh negative people sense easily when someone is lying to us.
3) Many rh negatives have red hair or a reddish shimmer.
4) A high percentage of rh negative people is green eyed.
5) Rh negative people pick up on energies from others easily.
6) Because of that, we can feel very uneasy in crowds.
7) Rh negative people are more sensitive in general.
8) Rh negative people tend to worry about things most people do not worry about.
9) Many rh negatives have a high forehead. (not a personality one, just a trait)
10) Many rh negative people have big eyes.
(same, so let’s continue …)
11) Many rh negatives have a large cranium.
12) Many rh negatives have a widow’s peak.
13) Many rh negatives have freckles.
14) When rh negatives are happy, you feel their energy very clearly and nothing is in the way.
15) When rh negatives are not happy, none of any positive energy can be felt.
16) Rh negative men tend to be very relaxed with the opposite sex.
17) Rh negative women can be quite aggressive sexually. (I know … perfect match)
18) Rh negative children often feel uneasy in school and are not good at following orders blindly.
19) Rh negative children tend to be very passionate with whatever they have true interests in …
20) … and have a hard time showing any interest if they have none.

(More here: WHAT ARE THE RH NEGATIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS?)

A 1964 study conducted by Harvard concludes that people with blood type A might be more “tender-minded” or sensitive which would support the above claim. And many believe that when it comes to dating, compatibility of blood types is not just about the rh disease, but personality traits and communication hurdles related to it as well:

Who is your perfect partner according to your blood type?

Even going back as far as 1935, it was already suggested that marrying someone with your own blood type might be the key to happiness.

A fairly new study examining IQ and ABO blood groups also reveals similar results:

ABSTRACT: This study investigated possible relationships between blood types and personality within a normal population. Evidence from published studies claiming associations between blood type and personality is scanty, conflicting, and characterised by unequal cell sizes. This study predicted that compared to those with other blood types, blood Type B individuals would be higher on neuroticism, blood Type O individuals would be higher on extraversion and optimism, blood Type A individuals would be higher on agreeableness and blood Type AB individuals would be higher on conscientiousness. A main effect for gender on neuroticism and an interaction effect for gender and blood Type B on neuroticism were also predicted. Participants comprised a quota sample of blood donors—180 males and 180 females. Thirty males and 30 females from each of the four blood types were included in the final analysis. A version of the big-five factor personality inventory developed by Goldberg, and the Life Orientation Test Revised were administered. MANOVA results showed that the combined dependent variables were not significantly affected by blood type, nor by gender, nor were there any interaction effects. No relationship between blood type and personality is supported by this study. Methodology of previous studies is reviewed and implications of the findings considered.

Are we really on the wrong track?

There are vast amounts of studies out there showing health and psychological differences in individuals based on their blood types and connecting this to having an impact on one’s personality would not be that big of a leap to make.

We are continuing our research and will let you know when new results are coming in. We also deeply appreciate those of you who have been participating in our studies and registered to do so in upcoming and current ones.

If you are a member of our forum, you can continue here …