Integrating the HEXACO model with the Triarchic conceptualization of psychopathy

- The HEXACO model of personality provides effective coverage of the Triarchic Model of psychopathy.
- The Triarchic traits exhibit limited incremental utility above and beyond the HEXACO when predicting external correlates.
- Results lend support to arguments that psychopathic traits are extreme variants of normative personality traits.

The current study contributes to the ongoing debate about the nature of psychopathic traits by examining the convergence between a measure of the Triarchic model of psychopathy (Boldness, Meanness, and Disinhibition; Patrick, Fowles, & Krueger, 2009) and the HEXACO model of personality (e.g., Ashton & Lee, 2007) using a sample of 545 undergraduates. There was substantial overlap between the two inventories. Boldness was primarily associated with (low) Emotionality and Extraversion. Meanness was mostly associated with (low) Honestly-Humility and Emotionality whereas Disinhibition had a strong negative correlation with Conscientiousness. Measures of the Triarchic traits provided some evidence of incremental utility over the HEXACO domains in predicting scores on relevant external correlates (e.g., self-esteem, maladaptive personality traits). Results further clarify the Triarchic constructs and support arguments that many psychopathic traits are extreme variants of normal personality traits.