The Enneagram has recently captured the attention of pop culture as the latest personality test sensation. This model categorizes individuals into one of nine archetypes based on their core desires and fears. While psychologists believe it can be a useful tool for understanding personality, it’s important not to take it too seriously.
If you’re unfamiliar with terms like “4” or “9,” don’t worry. You’ll likely encounter the Enneagram soon enough, whether in a team-building exercise at work or during a seemingly never-ending dinner party conversation. It seems that human beings are naturally inclined to categorize ourselves and others, from Hogwarts houses to horoscopes. According to three personality psychologists, archetypes and typologies are highly attractive to people.
Unlike astrology, which assigns personality traits based on planetary relationships, the Enneagram claims to go a step further. It offers users not only a catchy character description but also promises tools for self-optimization. In a time when personal growth hacks are in high demand, this is undoubtedly appealing.
The Enneagram categorizes individuals into one of nine interconnected archetypes, which aim to explain personality through core motivations, desires, and fears. For example, Type 3, known as “The Achiever,” is driven by a fear of worthlessness and a desire to feel valuable. They seek recognition and have a reputation for being success-oriented and highly productive. Enneagram coaches often suggest that Type 3 individuals excel in executive and managerial positions thanks to their enthusiasm and drive.
Type 6, on the other hand, known as “The Loyalist,” has a core desire for security and support. They are motivated by a need to test others’ loyalty while seeking reassurance and certainty. At their best, Type 6 individuals are responsible, trustworthy, and loyal friends. This archetype thrives in caregiving or protection professions such as teaching, law enforcement, or veterinary work.
If you don’t know your Enneagram type, don’t worry. There are several online tests available, as well as a wealth of social media content dedicated to the topic. From Enneagram-focused life coaching to Enneagram memes and even Disney-themed Enneagram content, there’s something for everyone.
Psychologists are skeptical about the scientific validity of the Enneagram and cautious about its increasing adoption in workplaces. However, the archetype descriptions offer detailed analyses of our motivations, desires, and fears in a way that appeals to curious individuals. It’s like reading a detective novel about yourself, according to psychologist John D. Mayer.
The origins of the Enneagram theory are somewhat nebulous, with influences from Greek and Neoplatonic philosophy and its development by Oscar Ichazo in the 1970s. It gained popularity in the American Jesuit community and has since become a subject of self-help books and a muse for many on Instagram.
What sets the Enneagram apart from other personality quizzes is that it focuses on internal motivations rather than external behaviors. By identifying each archetype’s strengths and passions, individuals can engage in personal growth within their type.
The Enneagram has found a special place in Christian and evangelical communities due to its ties to religious movements and emphasis on spiritual growth. However, it has also gained popularity in secular society, with corporations investing in Enneagram trainings and employees proudly displaying their type in the workplace.
One of the Enneagram’s strengths is that its information is readily accessible and free on the internet. Unlike other personality measures that require fees for official testing and analysis, anyone can take an online Enneagram test and interpret the results.
Ultimately, the reason the Enneagram is growing in popularity is that it resonates with people. The personality descriptions strike a chord and offer a sense of self-understanding, leading to personal growth and happiness.
Humans have an innate desire to be understood, understand others, and find a sense of community. The Enneagram fulfills this need by providing an easily understandable format for self-reflection, understanding others, and connecting with like-minded individuals within the same archetype.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the Enneagram’s limitations. The field of psychology is unsure if typologies truly exist, and other personality metrics like Myers-Briggs and The Big Five have more scientific credibility due to their dimensional models. Personality is complex, and there are no simple tricks to understanding oneself and others. Categorizing individuals is becoming less common in psychology as we recognize the complexity and uniqueness of each person.
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