HEXACO-60 SCORING GUIDE & INTERPRETATION
HEXACO-60 is a shortened 60-item version of the 100 item HEXACO Personality-Inventory-
Revised (HEXACO-PI-R) (Ashton & Lee, 2009). The HEXACO-60 opts to assess the following
factor domains: Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, Extraversion, Agreeableness,
Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience. These six factors fall under the HEXACO
Model of Personality. 10 items are associated with each of the six factors domains. Under
each domain are four facets/narrow traits. At least two items that belong to these 10 per
scale, will present the four facets. Individuals will have to rate how much they agree with
each of the 60 statements. Individuals will have to choose from a range of 1-5.
With 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral (neither agree nor disagree) and 5 =
strongly agree.
Six Factors:
Honesty-Humility Domain
The honesty-humility domain scale determines the likelihood of an individual to be sincere,
just, altruistic, and inherently humble in their actions (Ashton & Lee, 2009). High scorers in
their domain will likely evade the act of manipulation or acts that can add to personal wealth
and gain. They will also avoid feeling entitled to certain labels of self-importance, social
statuses, and luxuries. They are also more likely to avoid going against set rules. This domain
has the following narrow traits or facet scales:
• Sincerity Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to practice truth and
authenticity in interpersonal interaction. High scorers will likely stray away from
feigning certain feelings or falsely flattering people for personal gain.
• Fairness Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to practice fairness and
justice. High scorers will be less likely to cheat or commit fraudulent actions for
personal benefit.
• Greed Avoidance Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to be drawn to
getting bountiful luxuries. High scorers will likely feel less concerned with displaying
and obtaining monetary wealth or social-status related factors.
• Modesty Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to feel equal with others.
High scorers will likely practice humility and feel less entitled to privileges.
Emotionality Domain
The emotionality domain determines the likelihood of an individual to feel worried and panic
over stressors and potential physical dangers. High scorers may form more sentimental
connections with others and practice sensitivity and empathy. They may also feel the need
to acquire more emotional support from others. This domain has the following narrow traits
or facet scales:
• Fearfulness Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to feel frightened.
High scorers will feel less inclined to practice risky behaviors, due to fear of
endangerment.
• Anxiety Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to feel caught up in worry
due to life’s stressors. High scorers will likely feel anxious in several situations.
• Dependence Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to depend on others
for assurance. High scorers will likely rely on others for emotional support through
venting their issues and acquiring advice.
• Sentimentality Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to have deep and
emotional relations with others. High scorers will likely practice more empathy and
be more sensitive due to the sentimental attachments they have formed with others.
Extraversion Domain
The Extraversion domain determines the likelihood of an individual to have a positive
perception of themselves. It also measures the likelihood of someone to take up
opportunities to lead or be part of group activities. This domain has the following narrow
traits or facet scales:
• Social Self-Esteem Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual in various
social situations to have high regard for themselves. High scorers are likely to believe
they are well-liked and that they have positive traits that others enjoy.
• Social Boldness Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to be confident
and collected in social contexts. High scorers are likely to feel comfortable with
sharing their thoughts within group contexts and approaching new people
• Sociability Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to thrive in various
social interactions. High scorers are likely to enjoy conversation and stray away from
solitary activities.
• Liveliness Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to be in high spirits.
High scorers are more likely to feel and display excitement and energy.
Agreeableness Domain
The Agreeableness (versus Anger) domain determines the likelihood of an individual to
show leniency, forgiveness, and an inclination to compromise when working with others.
High scorers will likely be cool headed and relaxed with differing opinions and actions. This
domain has the following narrow traits or facet scales:
• Forgivingness Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to not hold a grudge
and trust in others in spite of the harm they may have caused. High scorers will likely
readily forgive others.
• Gentleness Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to practice leniency
with others. High scorers are less likely to be openly critical and rigid with others.
• Flexibility Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to be able to make
compromises. High scorers are less likely to be stubborn and will avoid conflicts over
other people’s suggestions. They are more likely to be open to others’ opinions.
• Patience Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to not lose their temper.
High scorers are likely to remain calm and collected. It will take a significant amount
to make such high scorers angry.
Conscientiousness Domain
The Agreeableness (versus Anger) domain determines the likelihood of an individual to
practice organization, precision, and discipline in doing their tasks. High scorers are likely to
be more careful in their actions. This domain has the following narrow traits or facet scales:
• Organization Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to maintain
structure when dealing with their physical environment. High scorers are more likely
to maintain order and show tidiness.
• Diligence Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to exert maximum effort
and show strong self-discipline. High scorers will likely show strong motivation to
accomplish tasks.
• Perfectionism Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to seek precision
and be thorough. High scorers will likely practice perfectionism and keep a persistent
eye on details.
• Prudence Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to be careful and
practice self-restraint. High scorers are more inclined to be cautious and watchful
over their actions.
Openness to Experience Domain
The Openness to Experience Domain determines the likelihood of an individual to be
invested in aesthetics, imagination and diverse fields of knowledge. High scorers will be
more open to abstract and unconventional ideas and concepts. This domain has the following
narrow traits or facet scales:
• Aesthetic Appreciation Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to value
and respect the beauty in nature or art. High scorers may enjoy various kinds of art
and natural formations.
• Inquisitiveness Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to exhibit
curiosity for knowledge. High scorers will feel more inclined to discover new
information about the world and various domains of knowledge.
• Creativity Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to utilize their
imagination for innovation and problem solving. High scorers will likely be able to
communicate through art forms or use their creativity to actively find potential
solutions to problems.
• Unconventionality Scale - This measures the tendency of an individual to
accommodate unconventional and uncommon situations or people. High scorers will
likely be open to radical or odd ideas and persons.
Sample Test items:
3.) I rarely hold a grudge, even against people who have badly wronged me.
19.) I think that paying attention to radical ideas is a waste of time.
33.) I tend to be lenient in judging other people.
45.) Most people tend to get angry more quickly than I do.
Scoring Guide:
The following table covers the scoring key and the designated items for the six
domains/factors and their specific facet scales. Items marked with R must be reverse scored.
Honest-Humility Domain
Sincerity 6, 30R, 54
Fairness 12R, 36, 60R
Greed-Avoidance 18, 42R
Modesty 24R, 48R
Emotionality Domain
Fearfulness 5, 29, 53R
Anxiety 11, 35R
Dependence 17, 41R
Sentimentality 23, 47, 59R
Extraversion Domain
Social Self-Esteem 4, 28R, 52R
Social Boldness 10R, 34, 58
Sociability 16, 40
Liveliness 22, 46R
Agreeableness Domain
Forgiveness 3, 27
Gentleness 9R, 33, 51
Flexibility 15R, 39, 57R
Patience 21R, 45
Conscientiousness Domain
Organization 2, 26R
Diligence 8, 32R
Perfectionism 14R, 38, 50
Prudence 20R, 44R, 56R
Openness to Experience
Aesthetic Appreciation 1R, 25
Inquisitiveness 7, 31R
Creativity 13, 37, 49R
Unconventionality 19R, 43, 55R
After complete reversal of the reverse-keyed items, the mean of the raw item scores under
each Facet Scale must be calculated to represent the facet scale score. Factor or Domain scale
scores should be computed through attaining the mean of the facet scale scores under
specific domains.
Psychometric Properties
In spite of the test’s breadth, internal consistency reliabilities were in the range of .77 to .80
for college samples and .73 to .80 for community samples. (Ashton & Lee, 2009). The scale
also is shown to have sufficient convergent validity when compared with theoretically
related scales such as the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI).
