A high-dimensional lexical structure of personality: a hierarchical cluster analysis in the Russian context

Current Psychology. 2026. Vol. 45. Article 688.

Shchebetenko S., Vitko Y., Kalugin A., Mishkevich A.

This study examines the high-dimensional lexical structure of personality within the Russian language, extending beyond

traditional frameworks such as the Big Five and HEXACO. Using hierarchical cluster analysis on self-reported data

from 773 Russian-speaking participants, we extracted 57 distinct personality clusters derived from 1,253 lexical descrip-

tors. These clusters were classified within one of three subtypes: as nested facets of Big Few domains, multidimensional

compound traits, or unique traits not captured by existing models. Regression analyses showed varying associations

between these clusters and the BFI-2 and HEXACO-PI-R domains. Several narrow clusters—such as Gluttony, Perversity,

Intuition, and Sarcastic Humour—demonstrated minimal associations with the Big Few, suggesting new directions for

trait conceptualisation. Broader compound clusters like Rightness and Professionalism showed multidomain influences,

implying their potential as general traits. Our findings underscore the utility of hierarchical cluster analysis in uncovering

both broad and fine-grained personality dimensions, offering insights into traits often overlooked in conventional models.

While acknowledging limitations related to sampling methods and measurement instruments, this study contributes a

culturally grounded perspective to personality taxonomy and highlights the value of expansive, non-nested approaches.

These insights pave the way for cross-cultural validation and deeper exploration of personality structure.

Keywords: Big Five, "Большая пятерка" личностных черт, Lexical approach, hierarchical clustering, иерархический кластерный анализ, таксономия личности, Big Five personality traits, personality taxonomy, Russian descriptors, психолексический подход