The Enneagram Test

The Enneagram test is a widely used personality test. It is a forced-response test of 144 pairs of statements, and the one that most closely matches the subject's preference must be selected.

The product obtained from the test reflects the psychological traits of the personality. The test lasts about 60 minutes.

What is the Enneagram test?

The test starts from the supposed premise that human beings have three major forms of intelligence: mental, emotional, and instinctive.

The Enneagram defines them as "centers" and assigns three different personality types to each of these groups.

For each Enneatype there are three main personality signals: passion, compulsion, and virtue. Passion would be our greatest defect, compulsion our strategy of unconscious evasion, while virtue is our main quality.

The different Enneatypes

According to the test, the mental centers privilege the rational. The types that make them up are farsighted and strategic, but also especially fond of objectivity and neutrality

Enneatype number 1: the ethical one

They establish that ethics must be permanently in line with the principles considered good. Their main defect is anger, although they are particularly good, at the level of compulsion, at avoiding it, even in its useful aspects. One of their fears is making mistakes.

Enneatype number 2: the altruist

This enneatype describes a trait of a person who is turned toward others, full of benevolence. Sometimes they even forget themselves. Their compulsion is to disregard their own needs. They are also sincere and understanding people.

Very dependent on the recognition of others, although aware of their qualities. They may feel proud. To counteract this, their mission would be to discover the joys of humility.

Enneatype number 3: the chameleon

They have the ability to adapt quickly to any circumstance and feel comfortable in society. Behind their ambition and sense of competition, a compulsive flight from failure can hide. They can be opportunistic. The chameleon's challenge is to remain authentic under their various disguises.

Enneatype number 4: the artist

They have a high sensitivity and, like artists, reject routine. Their search is oriented toward the aesthetic. An important characteristic is an excess of desire: the beautiful, the different. They hold one belief: “Not many things are needed to be happy.”

They can be romantic, shy, or capricious, and can be highly creative. Because of their characteristics, it is considered the rarest of the enneatypes.

This enneatype prefers to live in the here and now rather than in the future. They are oriented toward doing well and living well.

Enneatype number 5: the observer

Mostly withdrawn and very observant, they seek to understand their environment. They dissect and analyze even the smallest challenges.

Enneatype number 6: the loyal one

They are very committed and are generally oriented toward safety. They are often trustworthy, very responsible, and hard-working people.

Sometimes they seem to be defensive. They are also usually somewhat undecided and cautious. They can become rebellious.

Enneatype number 7: the enthusiast

They are usually very productive and quite optimistic. They have a good sense of humor and are practical. They often try to have new experiences. They can become impulsive. They focus on worthy objectives and goals. They also tend to be quite grateful.

Enneatype number 8: the leader

They are independent and like self-control. They are proactive, action-oriented, and take initiative. They can overdo it, and their avoidance strategy is to flee from vulnerability. They are self-confident.

Enneatype number 9: the peacemaker

They play the role of mediators. They are calm and reflective. They like their own comfort and that of others. They avoid and prevent conflicts and like peace. They are usually humble and accommodating.

The instinctive center is that of spontaneous reactions but also that of analysis. They must understand their environment well to make decisions, even if these are fast. In this group we can find energetic people with a good capacity for adaptation.

Validity and accuracy of the Enneagram test

Although some may argue that the test could have its flaws, at a basic level the Enneagram test can be useful for self-assessment and self-focus. Many studies agree that this instrument is scientifically reliable and valid as a test instrument with "solid psychometrics".

The internal consistency reliability scores show that the RHETI varies from 56% to 82% accuracy across different types, with an average overall accuracy of 72%.

However, there is the disadvantage that this test is vague. The personality types can be broad or generalized, especially when only the basic personality is taken into consideration and not the wings, the two personalities on either side of the diagram.

Likewise, when used as a tool for self-analysis and personal improvement, the Enneagram can be excellent. It is important to take stock of strengths and weaknesses, looking for ways to use the strengths while working on those weaknesses instead of avoiding them altogether.

Benefits of the Enneagram test

Among the benefits, the determination of the basic personality type stands out. Likewise, the identification of our strengths and weaknesses.

By identifying them, we can use the knowledge of our strengths to our advantage. Find jobs that work with those strengths or find ways of living that match our personality type.

The test can allow us to become aware of how we can achieve our goals. According to many authors, it is a very good tool for self-analysis and improvement.

The test allows us to identify our weaknesses. Although we do not like to know our negative side, focusing on the aspects in which we are not good can be very useful.

The fact that we can identify our weaknesses allows us to improve. By becoming aware of them, we can turn them into strengths. In addition, we can improve our interpersonal relationships, communication, and leadership skills.

Myths and realities of the Enneagram test

This is a test for self-analysis. It is not a test for changing your personality. When used inappropriately, the test can become very stressful. This is usually the case when certain personality traits are considered more beneficial or perfect than others.

Some will think that being a devotee is better than being a peacemaker. Or that being a challenger is better than being loyal.

Many people will see disadvantages in some trait of their personality. However, the focus is on improving those traits and benefiting from our strengths.