Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksTypesUsesImpactSample QuestionsTipsPitfallsHistory

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

How It Works

Types

Uses

Impact

Sample Questions

Tips

Pitfalls

History

Close

The Enneagram is a typology system that describes human personality as a number of interconnected personality types. While it has become popular withinspiritualityand business disciplines, there has been limited research on the use of Enneagram types and it is not widely accepted in the field of evidence-based psychology.

The Enneagram consists of a nine-point diagram in which each point represents a personality type. The Enneagram figure or diagram is made up of three elements. The outer part is a circle, which then contains a triangle and an irregular hexagon.

At its simplest, the Enneagram represents nine different personality types.Beyond these basic nine personality types, the system grows much more complex and includes 27 different subtypes, as well as three key “centers” focused on action, feeling, and thinking.

At a GlanceAs is the case with any personality type system or categorization, it’s important to always take your results with a big grain of salt. While interesting to consider, the Enneagram is not based on established psychological science and, similar to astrology, should merely be used as a tool for self-reflection and not determination.

At a Glance

As is the case with any personality type system or categorization, it’s important to always take your results with a big grain of salt. While interesting to consider, the Enneagram is not based on established psychological science and, similar to astrology, should merely be used as a tool for self-reflection and not determination.

Personality and Why It Matters

How the Enneagram System Works

Your Basic Enneagram Type

These two forces alsotend to influence each other. While inborn traits and characteristics help shape how people respond to their experiences, their environment also plays a role in shaping how personality is formed and expressed.

Your Adjacent Enneagram Types

The Enneagram system also holds that no one is one single type. Instead, personality is a mix of your basic Enneagram type, as well as at least one or two adjacent types known as “wings.” These adjacent personality types may influence overall personality, but they do not change a person’s basic Enneagram type.

According to Enneagram theory, people do not change from one basic type of personality to another. However, not all elements of personality are always expressed—people are always fluctuating depending on factors such as their health and habits.

You might identify with the traits of other types, but the Enneagram suggests that it is your dominant type that is the most important.

After taking an Enneagram test, respondents learn which basic type best describes their personality. Depending upon the test, respondents may also discover one or two additional Enneagram types that also contribute to their overall personality.

Types of Personality Tests

Enneagram Types

1. Reformer

This Enneagram type:

2. Helper

3. Achiever

4. Individualist

5. Investigator

This Enneagram type is:

6. Loyalist

7. Enthusiast

8. Challenger

9. Peacemaker

Uses of the Enneagram

Possible Applications of the EnneagramPersonal growthand developmentInterpersonal communication, team building, and leadership developmentCreating successful relationships at work and in other life areas

Possible Applications of the Enneagram

Personal growthand developmentInterpersonal communication, team building, and leadership developmentCreating successful relationships at work and in other life areas

While the Enneagram theory needs further research to validate its use, it has gained some popularity as a tool for building better relationships. By gaining insight into individual strengths and weaknesses, people can look for ways to better relate and communicate with their partners.

The Enneagram is sometimes used within the field ofindustrial-organizational psychologyto help improve employee motivation and productivity. Businesses utilize the test to help their employees gain a greater understanding of group dynamics and interpersonal communication.

The Enneagram test has also become popular on social media as people share more about their results and explore their strengths and weaknesses.

Impact of the Enneagram

While critics note that the system is rooted more in a semi-mystical ancient philosophy than in scientifically valid research, there is some evidence that the Enneagram has some use as a personality tool:

While promising, further research is still needed to explore the Enneagram’s applicability and usefulness.

Sample Enneagram Test Questions

Some Enneagram tests involve answering questions based on a sliding scale where “1” means that you disagree and “5” means that you agree. Examples of these types of questions include:

Other Enneagram tests only allow you to choose from two answers, each of which tends to be opposite of the other. Examples of these types of questions include:

Tips for Using Enneagram Test Results

The Enneagram has become better-known thanks, in part, to the rising popularity of onlinepersonality tests. Because the Enneagram addresses faults and weaknesses as well as strengths, it is often thought of as a tool for self-analysis and self-improvement. By recognizing these areas, people can work toward becoming moreself-awareand achieving greaterself-actualization.

There are a few important things you should remember when taking any personality test, the Enneagram test included:

If you are interested in learning your Enneagram types, the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI) can be found on theEnneagram Institute’s website. You can purchase a single-use code for $12 to take the test.

Potential Pitfalls of the Enneagram

There are a few pitfalls to consider when it comes to the Enneagram and Enneagram types.

It is also important to remember that the Enneagram does not suggest that any type is better or more desirable than another. Whether the traits associated with each type are seen as a help or a hindrance depends on the individual and their culture.

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History of the Enneagram

The origins of the Enneagram are something of a mystery. It may date back to the time of the ancient Greeks, although its exact history is disputed. It is a synthesis of several different spiritual traditions, including elements of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

Later, psychiatrist Claudio Naranjo expanded the theory to expand the nine types in psychological terms.

Reasons to Learn More About Your Personality

3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.The Enneagram Institute.How the Enneagram system works.Daniels D, Saracino T, Fraley M, Christian J, Pardo S.Advancing Ego Development in Adulthood Through Study of the Enneagram System of Personality.J Adult Dev. 2018;25(4):229-241. doi:10.1007/s10804-018-9289-xMatise M.The Enneagram: An enhancement to family therapy.Contemp Fam Ther. 2018;41(1):68-78. doi:10.1007/s10591-018-9471-0

3 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.The Enneagram Institute.How the Enneagram system works.Daniels D, Saracino T, Fraley M, Christian J, Pardo S.Advancing Ego Development in Adulthood Through Study of the Enneagram System of Personality.J Adult Dev. 2018;25(4):229-241. doi:10.1007/s10804-018-9289-xMatise M.The Enneagram: An enhancement to family therapy.Contemp Fam Ther. 2018;41(1):68-78. doi:10.1007/s10591-018-9471-0

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

The Enneagram Institute.How the Enneagram system works.Daniels D, Saracino T, Fraley M, Christian J, Pardo S.Advancing Ego Development in Adulthood Through Study of the Enneagram System of Personality.J Adult Dev. 2018;25(4):229-241. doi:10.1007/s10804-018-9289-xMatise M.The Enneagram: An enhancement to family therapy.Contemp Fam Ther. 2018;41(1):68-78. doi:10.1007/s10591-018-9471-0

The Enneagram Institute.How the Enneagram system works.

Daniels D, Saracino T, Fraley M, Christian J, Pardo S.Advancing Ego Development in Adulthood Through Study of the Enneagram System of Personality.J Adult Dev. 2018;25(4):229-241. doi:10.1007/s10804-018-9289-x

Matise M.The Enneagram: An enhancement to family therapy.Contemp Fam Ther. 2018;41(1):68-78. doi:10.1007/s10591-018-9471-0

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