Character matters! Personality differences are often summed up based on five broad dimensions, which are called the Big Five : neuroticism , extraversion , agreeableness , conscientiousness , and openness to experience . But in the early 2000s psychologists discovered evidence of a sixth personality factor, which led to a new model of personality called HEXACO. The distinctly new factor is called
Why Does HEXACO Develop?
Understanding what causes hexaco is essential for prevention and treatment. Research consistently shows that hexaco arises from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors — rarely from a single cause.
Core Causes and Triggers
HEXACO retains much of the Big Five, but redefines some of the personality factors and adds a sixth. Today, both the five-factor model and HEXACO are used by different teams of personality researchers to capture differences between people. The factors that make up HEXACO are: Broadly speaking, honest-humility is a dimension of personality that reflects the degree to which a person promotes—or doesn’t—their own interests above those of others. More specifically, it includes aspects of personality such as one’s levels of sincerity, fairness, modesty and (dis)interest in wealth and signs of statu
Biological Factors
Biological contributors to hexaco include:
- Genetics: Family history increases risk; certain genes influence vulnerability
- Brain chemistry: Neurotransmitter imbalances (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) play key roles
- Brain structure: Differences in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus are documented
- Physical health: Chronic illness, hormonal changes, and sleep disruption can trigger or worsen hexaco
Psychological Factors
- Early experiences: Childhood adversity, attachment disruption, and trauma shape psychological vulnerability
- Cognitive patterns: Negative thinking styles, perfectionism, and rumination increase risk
- Coping skills: Limited emotional regulation skills make hexaco more likely under stress
- Personality: Certain traits (neuroticism, harm avoidance) are associated with higher risk
Social and Environmental Factors
Environmental factors — including chronic stress, relationship problems, financial difficulty, and major life events — can trigger hexaco in vulnerable individuals.
What Triggers an Episode?
Even in people with predisposing factors, hexaco often requires a triggering event:
- Major life transitions (job loss, relationship breakdown, bereavement)
- Prolonged stress without adequate recovery
- Substance use or withdrawal
- Physical illness or injury
- Social isolation or conflict
Protective Factors
Not everyone with risk factors develops hexaco. Protective factors include: strong social support, effective coping skills, physical health maintenance, access to care, and psychological resilience built through prior challenges.