Grief is the acute pain that accompanies loss. Because it is a reflection of what we love, it can feel all-encompassing. Grief is not limited to the loss of people, but when it follows the loss of a loved one, it may be compounded by feelings of guilt and confusion, especially if the relationship was a difficult one.
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
The Link Between Grief and HEXACO
Grief and HEXACO are deeply interconnected psychological phenomena. Research shows that these two conditions frequently co-occur, with each often triggering or amplifying the other.
When someone experiences grief, it can create conditions that make hexaco more likely. Conversely, managing one can significantly improve outcomes for the other.
How Grief Affects HEXACO
The presence of grief can impact hexaco in several important ways:
- Heightened nervous system activation from grief can intensify hexaco symptoms
- Both share common underlying mechanisms in the brain's stress response systems
- Addressing grief often leads to measurable improvements in hexaco
- The combination can create self-reinforcing cycles that require integrated treatment
Practical Strategies When Dealing with Both
When grief and hexaco occur together, a combined approach is most effective:
- Seek professional assessment — get an accurate picture of how each affects you
- Address underlying causes — identify shared root causes (sleep, stress, trauma)
- Use evidence-based interventions — CBT, mindfulness, and behavioral approaches work for both
- Build support networks — social connection buffers both conditions
- Track patterns — use journaling to see how they interact in your life