The Big 6 Personality Traits: Everything You Need to Know - Katherine Langford
What Are the Big 6 Personality Traits?
The Big 6 personality traits, also known as the HEXACO model, represent a modern and scientifically grounded approach to understanding human personality. Developed by psychologists Kibeom Lee and Michael Ashton, this model builds upon the more widely known Big Five (OCEAN) personality traits by adding a sixth dimension:
Honesty-Humility. HEXACO stands for Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, eXtraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness to Experience.
This six-factor model provides a more nuanced and comprehensive view of personality. It has been extensively validated across different languages and cultures, making it a robust framework for psychological assessments, workplace evaluations, and personal development.
While the Big Five model focuses on descriptive traits, the HEXACO adds an ethical dimension, addressing traits like sincerity, fairness, and modesty. Whether you're navigating personal relationships or evaluating candidates for a job, understanding these traits can offer practical insights into human behavior and motivation.
1. Honesty-Humility: The Ethical Backbone
Honesty-Humility is perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the Big 6 model. This trait measures a person’s sincerity, fairness, greed avoidance, and modesty. People high in Honesty-Humility are more likely to be genuine, unassuming, and resistant to manipulating others for personal gain. They are less tempted by wealth or power and are more inclined toward ethical behavior, even when no one is watching.
On the flip side, individuals low in Honesty-Humility may be deceitful, arrogant, and self-important. This trait correlates negatively with behaviors such as narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, the so-called "Dark Triad."
In practical settings, high scores in this dimension are often linked to trustworthiness and moral integrity. In contrast, those scoring low may struggle in collaborative or community-oriented environments. Organizations especially value this trait in leadership roles, as it influences transparency, fairness, and respect for others.
Ultimately, Honesty-Humility sets the tone for ethical behavior and is central to long-term trust and credibility.
2. Emotionality: Sensitivity and Stability
Emotionality, similar to Neuroticism in the Big Five, reflects how people experience emotions such as fear, anxiety, dependence, and sentimentality. However, the HEXACO model defines Emotionality with more nuance. Those who score high are more empathetic, emotionally sensitive, and closely bonded with others. They might cry easily, feel others’ pain deeply, and form strong emotional connections.
Low scorers are emotionally stable, independent, and less likely to be overwhelmed by stress or negative emotions. While they may appear more grounded or composed, they could also come across as emotionally distant or indifferent in highly emotional situations.
This trait plays a crucial role in how individuals cope with stress and how deeply they connect in intimate relationships. Emotionality is not inherently positive or negative. It simply informs how we manage our inner worlds and connect emotionally with others. Understanding where you fall on this spectrum can help you build better emotional resilience and empathy.
3. eXtraversion: Energy in Action
eXtraversion, with a capital "X" in the HEXACO model, captures the degree to which a person is outgoing, lively, and socially confident. High scorers tend to be enthusiastic, energetic, and enjoy being around others. They thrive in social settings and often feel recharged by social interaction. Extraversion also includes traits like sociability, social boldness, liveliness, and a sense of engagement with the external world.
On the other hand, low scorers introverts may be quieter, more reserved, and prefer solitude or small, familiar groups. They might find large gatherings draining and prefer deep one-on-one interactions over group dynamics.
Unlike shyness or social anxiety, which can be problematic, introversion is a natural and often beneficial personality trait. Understanding where you land on this spectrum helps in tailoring work and social environments to your needs. Whether you're managing teams or planning personal growth, knowing your Extraversion level can enhance your social wellbeing and productivity.
4. Agreeableness: Getting Along With Others
Agreeableness in the HEXACO model reflects one’s inclination to be compassionate, forgiving, cooperative, and tolerant. High scorers tend to avoid conflict, are patient, and often place a high value on harmony in relationships. They show understanding, are quick to forgive, and prefer compromise over confrontation.
Unlike the Big Five version, HEXACO's Agreeableness excludes sentimentality (which is covered under Emotionality), and instead emphasizes aspects like patience, tolerance, and non-reactivity. People high in this trait are unlikely to hold grudges or respond aggressively when provoked.
In contrast, those with low Agreeableness may be more critical, competitive, or argumentative. While they may excel in roles that require assertiveness or negotiation, they might struggle in teamwork or caregiving settings.
Agreeableness is a cornerstone of effective interpersonal dynamics. It predicts how well someone works in a group, resolves conflict, or supports peers. Cultivating this trait can help foster smoother relationships and collaborative environments at work and home.
5. Conscientiousness: Discipline and Reliability
Conscientiousness measures the extent to which a person is organized, diligent, and dependable. High scorers are methodical, goal-driven, and often excel in structured environments that require sustained effort and attention to detail. They tend to be planners, often thinking ahead and avoiding impulsive actions. Traits such as precision, prudence, and perseverance fall under this dimension.
Low scorers may struggle with organization, procrastination, or inconsistent follow-through. They might be more spontaneous but could also neglect long-term goals in favor of immediate gratification.
Conscientiousness is one of the most robust predictors of success in academic and professional settings. People with high scores are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and more likely to adhere to deadlines, health goals, and routines. Interestingly, there's growing research linking conscientiousness with improved physical health, possibly due to better stress management and adherence to medical advice.
This trait often defines how seriously a person takes their commitments and responsibilities.
6. Openness to Experience: The Creative Thinker
Openness to Experience captures a person’s intellectual curiosity, imagination, and appreciation for novel ideas and experiences. High scorers are often seen as innovative, inquisitive, and open-minded. They enjoy exploring new cultures, philosophies, and artistic experiences. This trait encompasses creativity, aesthetic appreciation, and unconventional thinking.
People with high Openness are more likely to engage in abstract or philosophical thinking, and they may excel in roles that demand adaptability or creative problem-solving. They tend to value autonomy and personal growth.
Low scorers, on the other hand, may prefer routine and tradition. They might be more pragmatic and resistant to change, preferring familiar environments and ideas. While this might limit innovation, it can foster stability and adherence to proven methods.
Openness doesn’t equate to intelligence, but it does influence how individuals interpret the world around them. Understanding your level of openness can help you tailor your learning style, hobbies, and even career choices for greater satisfaction.
HEXACO vs Big Five: What’s the Difference?
While the Big Five model (OCEAN: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism) has long been the gold standard in personality psychology, the HEXACO model offers a compelling alternative. The key difference is the addition of the Honesty-Humility trait in HEXACO, which addresses elements of morality and ethics largely absent in the Big Five.
Another distinction lies in how certain traits are conceptualized. For instance, Emotionality in HEXACO combines aspects of Neuroticism with empathetic sensitivity, while Agreeableness emphasizes patience and tolerance more heavily.
Research suggests that HEXACO may offer a more complete framework for predicting ethical behavior, antisocial tendencies, and interpersonal dynamics. In particular, Honesty-Humility has been linked to lower likelihood of engaging in corruption, manipulation, and exploitation traits often overlooked in other models.
Organizations, clinicians, and educators increasingly turn to HEXACO for a deeper understanding of personality, especially when character and ethics are important. It’s a model rooted not just in behavior, but in values.
Why the Big 6 Matter in Everyday Life
Understanding the Big 6 personality traits isn’t just academic. It has real-world applications that impact your career, relationships, and personal development. For example, high Conscientiousness is linked to better job performance and health habits, while Agreeableness can foster stronger friendships and smoother social interactions.
If you're in a leadership role, knowing a team member’s level of Honesty-Humility can help you identify trustworthiness. Similarly, people high in Extraversion might thrive in roles involving networking or public speaking, while those high in Openness may excel in creative industries.
The model can also aid in mental health, offering a roadmap for emotional management. For example, understanding Emotionality can guide stress-reduction strategies, while Openness can affect how someone responds to therapy or change.
Moreover, personality awareness encourages empathy. Knowing that someone is low in Extraversion doesn’t mean they dislike you. It just means they recharge differently. The Big 6 model helps bridge gaps in understanding human behavior.
Personality Traits and Health: A Surprising Connection
Emerging research suggests that personality traits can significantly influence physical and mental health. For example, people with high Conscientiousness are more likely to adhere to medical advice, maintain regular exercise routines, and avoid harmful substances.
Emotionality, meanwhile, can affect stress reactivity, potentially influencing conditions like anxiety or depression.
Interestingly, dietary habits and supplement use are also linked to personality. Those high in Openness to Experience may be more inclined to experiment with alternative diets or health supplements. For example, some studies explore how different personality types approach tools like l lysine for weight loss, even though scientific support for such claims remains mixed.
Moreover, personality traits can affect how people respond to illness. Individuals high in Agreeableness and Honesty-Humility may be more cooperative with healthcare providers, improving health outcomes. Understanding your traits can help you tailor your wellness strategies to suit your strengths and tendencies turning self-awareness into a powerful tool for holistic health.
Can Personality Traits Change Over Time?
A common question is whether personality traits are fixed or flexible. Research suggests that while core traits remain relatively stable over time, they can shift with significant life experiences, conscious effort, and environmental changes. For example, becoming a parent, starting a new career, or experiencing a health crisis can influence traits like Conscientiousness or Emotionality.
Self-awareness plays a crucial role in personality development. Once individuals recognize patterns like chronic procrastination or excessive emotional reactivity. They can adopt strategies to manage or even reshape those tendencies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and coaching have all shown promise in promoting personality growth.
While you might not transform from introverted to extroverted overnight, it's entirely possible to become more socially confident or emotionally resilient. The Big 6 traits offer a flexible framework for personal growth, helping individuals understand where they are and where they might want to go emotionally, professionally, and socially.
Conclusion: Using the Big 6 for Self-Discovery and Success
The Big 6 personality traits, as defined by the HEXACO model, offer a more layered and ethical approach to understanding human behavior. By evaluating Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, eXtraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness to Experience, we gain deeper insight into what drives people, how they relate to others, and where they find fulfillment.
The Big 6 personality traits, also known as the HEXACO model, represent a modern and scientifically grounded approach to understanding human personality. Developed by psychologists Kibeom Lee and Michael Ashton, this model builds upon the more widely known Big Five (OCEAN) personality traits by adding a sixth dimension:
Honesty-Humility. HEXACO stands for Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, eXtraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness to Experience.
This six-factor model provides a more nuanced and comprehensive view of personality. It has been extensively validated across different languages and cultures, making it a robust framework for psychological assessments, workplace evaluations, and personal development.
While the Big Five model focuses on descriptive traits, the HEXACO adds an ethical dimension, addressing traits like sincerity, fairness, and modesty. Whether you're navigating personal relationships or evaluating candidates for a job, understanding these traits can offer practical insights into human behavior and motivation.
1. Honesty-Humility: The Ethical Backbone
Honesty-Humility is perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the Big 6 model. This trait measures a person’s sincerity, fairness, greed avoidance, and modesty. People high in Honesty-Humility are more likely to be genuine, unassuming, and resistant to manipulating others for personal gain. They are less tempted by wealth or power and are more inclined toward ethical behavior, even when no one is watching.
On the flip side, individuals low in Honesty-Humility may be deceitful, arrogant, and self-important. This trait correlates negatively with behaviors such as narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, the so-called "Dark Triad."
In practical settings, high scores in this dimension are often linked to trustworthiness and moral integrity. In contrast, those scoring low may struggle in collaborative or community-oriented environments. Organizations especially value this trait in leadership roles, as it influences transparency, fairness, and respect for others.
Ultimately, Honesty-Humility sets the tone for ethical behavior and is central to long-term trust and credibility.
2. Emotionality: Sensitivity and Stability
Emotionality, similar to Neuroticism in the Big Five, reflects how people experience emotions such as fear, anxiety, dependence, and sentimentality. However, the HEXACO model defines Emotionality with more nuance. Those who score high are more empathetic, emotionally sensitive, and closely bonded with others. They might cry easily, feel others’ pain deeply, and form strong emotional connections.
Low scorers are emotionally stable, independent, and less likely to be overwhelmed by stress or negative emotions. While they may appear more grounded or composed, they could also come across as emotionally distant or indifferent in highly emotional situations.
This trait plays a crucial role in how individuals cope with stress and how deeply they connect in intimate relationships. Emotionality is not inherently positive or negative. It simply informs how we manage our inner worlds and connect emotionally with others. Understanding where you fall on this spectrum can help you build better emotional resilience and empathy.
3. eXtraversion: Energy in Action
eXtraversion, with a capital "X" in the HEXACO model, captures the degree to which a person is outgoing, lively, and socially confident. High scorers tend to be enthusiastic, energetic, and enjoy being around others. They thrive in social settings and often feel recharged by social interaction. Extraversion also includes traits like sociability, social boldness, liveliness, and a sense of engagement with the external world.
On the other hand, low scorers introverts may be quieter, more reserved, and prefer solitude or small, familiar groups. They might find large gatherings draining and prefer deep one-on-one interactions over group dynamics.
Unlike shyness or social anxiety, which can be problematic, introversion is a natural and often beneficial personality trait. Understanding where you land on this spectrum helps in tailoring work and social environments to your needs. Whether you're managing teams or planning personal growth, knowing your Extraversion level can enhance your social wellbeing and productivity.
4. Agreeableness: Getting Along With Others
Agreeableness in the HEXACO model reflects one’s inclination to be compassionate, forgiving, cooperative, and tolerant. High scorers tend to avoid conflict, are patient, and often place a high value on harmony in relationships. They show understanding, are quick to forgive, and prefer compromise over confrontation.
Unlike the Big Five version, HEXACO's Agreeableness excludes sentimentality (which is covered under Emotionality), and instead emphasizes aspects like patience, tolerance, and non-reactivity. People high in this trait are unlikely to hold grudges or respond aggressively when provoked.
In contrast, those with low Agreeableness may be more critical, competitive, or argumentative. While they may excel in roles that require assertiveness or negotiation, they might struggle in teamwork or caregiving settings.
Agreeableness is a cornerstone of effective interpersonal dynamics. It predicts how well someone works in a group, resolves conflict, or supports peers. Cultivating this trait can help foster smoother relationships and collaborative environments at work and home.
5. Conscientiousness: Discipline and Reliability
Conscientiousness measures the extent to which a person is organized, diligent, and dependable. High scorers are methodical, goal-driven, and often excel in structured environments that require sustained effort and attention to detail. They tend to be planners, often thinking ahead and avoiding impulsive actions. Traits such as precision, prudence, and perseverance fall under this dimension.
Low scorers may struggle with organization, procrastination, or inconsistent follow-through. They might be more spontaneous but could also neglect long-term goals in favor of immediate gratification.
Conscientiousness is one of the most robust predictors of success in academic and professional settings. People with high scores are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and more likely to adhere to deadlines, health goals, and routines. Interestingly, there's growing research linking conscientiousness with improved physical health, possibly due to better stress management and adherence to medical advice.
This trait often defines how seriously a person takes their commitments and responsibilities.
6. Openness to Experience: The Creative Thinker
Openness to Experience captures a person’s intellectual curiosity, imagination, and appreciation for novel ideas and experiences. High scorers are often seen as innovative, inquisitive, and open-minded. They enjoy exploring new cultures, philosophies, and artistic experiences. This trait encompasses creativity, aesthetic appreciation, and unconventional thinking.
People with high Openness are more likely to engage in abstract or philosophical thinking, and they may excel in roles that demand adaptability or creative problem-solving. They tend to value autonomy and personal growth.
Low scorers, on the other hand, may prefer routine and tradition. They might be more pragmatic and resistant to change, preferring familiar environments and ideas. While this might limit innovation, it can foster stability and adherence to proven methods.
Openness doesn’t equate to intelligence, but it does influence how individuals interpret the world around them. Understanding your level of openness can help you tailor your learning style, hobbies, and even career choices for greater satisfaction.
HEXACO vs Big Five: What’s the Difference?
While the Big Five model (OCEAN: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism) has long been the gold standard in personality psychology, the HEXACO model offers a compelling alternative. The key difference is the addition of the Honesty-Humility trait in HEXACO, which addresses elements of morality and ethics largely absent in the Big Five.
Another distinction lies in how certain traits are conceptualized. For instance, Emotionality in HEXACO combines aspects of Neuroticism with empathetic sensitivity, while Agreeableness emphasizes patience and tolerance more heavily.
Research suggests that HEXACO may offer a more complete framework for predicting ethical behavior, antisocial tendencies, and interpersonal dynamics. In particular, Honesty-Humility has been linked to lower likelihood of engaging in corruption, manipulation, and exploitation traits often overlooked in other models.
Organizations, clinicians, and educators increasingly turn to HEXACO for a deeper understanding of personality, especially when character and ethics are important. It’s a model rooted not just in behavior, but in values.
Why the Big 6 Matter in Everyday Life
Understanding the Big 6 personality traits isn’t just academic. It has real-world applications that impact your career, relationships, and personal development. For example, high Conscientiousness is linked to better job performance and health habits, while Agreeableness can foster stronger friendships and smoother social interactions.
If you're in a leadership role, knowing a team member’s level of Honesty-Humility can help you identify trustworthiness. Similarly, people high in Extraversion might thrive in roles involving networking or public speaking, while those high in Openness may excel in creative industries.
The model can also aid in mental health, offering a roadmap for emotional management. For example, understanding Emotionality can guide stress-reduction strategies, while Openness can affect how someone responds to therapy or change.
Moreover, personality awareness encourages empathy. Knowing that someone is low in Extraversion doesn’t mean they dislike you. It just means they recharge differently. The Big 6 model helps bridge gaps in understanding human behavior.
Personality Traits and Health: A Surprising Connection
Emerging research suggests that personality traits can significantly influence physical and mental health. For example, people with high Conscientiousness are more likely to adhere to medical advice, maintain regular exercise routines, and avoid harmful substances.
Emotionality, meanwhile, can affect stress reactivity, potentially influencing conditions like anxiety or depression.
Interestingly, dietary habits and supplement use are also linked to personality. Those high in Openness to Experience may be more inclined to experiment with alternative diets or health supplements. For example, some studies explore how different personality types approach tools like l lysine for weight loss, even though scientific support for such claims remains mixed.
Moreover, personality traits can affect how people respond to illness. Individuals high in Agreeableness and Honesty-Humility may be more cooperative with healthcare providers, improving health outcomes. Understanding your traits can help you tailor your wellness strategies to suit your strengths and tendencies turning self-awareness into a powerful tool for holistic health.
Can Personality Traits Change Over Time?
A common question is whether personality traits are fixed or flexible. Research suggests that while core traits remain relatively stable over time, they can shift with significant life experiences, conscious effort, and environmental changes. For example, becoming a parent, starting a new career, or experiencing a health crisis can influence traits like Conscientiousness or Emotionality.
Self-awareness plays a crucial role in personality development. Once individuals recognize patterns like chronic procrastination or excessive emotional reactivity. They can adopt strategies to manage or even reshape those tendencies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and coaching have all shown promise in promoting personality growth.
While you might not transform from introverted to extroverted overnight, it's entirely possible to become more socially confident or emotionally resilient. The Big 6 traits offer a flexible framework for personal growth, helping individuals understand where they are and where they might want to go emotionally, professionally, and socially.
Conclusion: Using the Big 6 for Self-Discovery and Success
The Big 6 personality traits, as defined by the HEXACO model, offer a more layered and ethical approach to understanding human behavior. By evaluating Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, eXtraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness to Experience, we gain deeper insight into what drives people, how they relate to others, and where they find fulfillment.
