Childhood Trauma, Self-Esteem, and HEXACO Personality Dimensions as Predictors of Fear and Fragility of Happiness

Abstract

Conceptions of happiness have real-life consequences and are associated with well-being. The study aimed to examine whether childhood trauma, self-esteem, personality predicted fear and fragility of happiness. A convenient sample of 332 college students aged 18-25 completed self-report measures of fear of happiness, fragility of happiness, childhood trauma, self-esteem, and HEXACO personality dimensions. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that self-esteem and honesty-humility dimension of personality negatively predicted fear of happiness. Gender did not predict fear or fragility of happiness. Further, childhood trauma positively and self-esteem negatively predicted fragility of happiness. This study provides support that childhood trauma has long lasting effects extending to adulthood. Self-esteem may have implications for happiness and wellbeing. Future research may focus on factors beyond personality that are associated with conceptions of happiness like fear and fragility of happiness.