The HEXACO Adjective Scales and Its Psychometric Properties

Abstract

The HEXACO model divides the space of personality into six main dimensions: Honesty–Humility, Emotionality, eXtraversion, Agreeableness (vs. anger), Conscientiousness, and Openness to Experience. Despite the lexical foundation, no validated adjective-based instruments are available yet. This contribution describes the newly developed HEXACO Adjective Scales (HAS), a 60 adjectives instrument to measure the six main personality dimensions. Study 1 ( N=368) proceeds to the first pruning of a large set of adjectives to identify potential markers. Study 2 ( N=811) delineates the final list of 60 adjectives and provides benchmarks for the new scales’ internal consistency, convergent/discriminant, and criterion validity. Study 3 ( N=411) confirms the HAS factorial structure, internal consistency, and criterion validity. The study also provides evidence of temporal stability (test–retest reliability) and convergence between raters (peer/self-evaluation). The HAS shows excellent psychometric properties and constitutes a valuable tool for assessing the HEXACO personality dimensions using adjectives.