How accurate are Enneagrams? (5 insights)

This blog post aims to answer the question, “How accurate are Enneagrams?” and explore the concept of Enneagrams and how Enneagram tests work to help determine how accurate Enneagrams are. 

How accurate are Enneagrams?

It is unclear how accurate Enneagrams are. The following are 5 insights into how the accuracy of Enneagrams is unclear – 

• It’s uncertain how accurate the Enneagram tests are from a scientific standpoint.
• The Enneagram system is used and studied in various ways by individuals.
• The Enneagram is a useful tool for figuring out who you are as a person. 
• The Enneagram has an enigmatic past. 
• An Enneagram test cannot determine a person’s personality type due to the Barnum effect. 

These 5 insights into how the accuracy of Enneagrams is unclear will be discussed in further detail below after taking a deeper look at what Enneagram means.

What is Enneagram?

The Enneagram is a personality type system that describes patterns in people’s perceptions of the world and emotional management. The Enneagram divides people into nine personality types, each of which is represented by a nine-pointed graphic that shows how they interact.

The word Enneagram derives from the Greek words Ennea, which means “nine,” and Gramma, which means “drawn or written.” Each of the nine personality types is determined by a basic belief about how the world works, according to the Enneagram. 

This basic belief underpins your innermost motives and concerns, as well as shaping a person’s worldview and perspective on the world and the people around them.

Our primary ideas aren’t always wrong, but they can be constrictive and act as “blinders” for people. Understanding our Enneagram type and how it influences our views might help us extend our horizons and more effectively handle circumstances.

Knowing a person’s Enneagram type might help us understand why they act the way they do. Each Enneagram type has a set of basic beliefs that will continuously inspire and guide them to conduct specific actions and make specific decisions. 

When we understand a person’s Enneagram type, we can frequently explain behaviour that appears to be perplexing or contradictory.

The Enneagram also assists us in comprehending how people respond to stress. The Enneagram reveals chances for personal development and gives a basis for understanding others by outlining how each Enneagram adapts and responds to both stressful and supportive conditions.

Enneagram Types.

Here are all the names and basic traits of the 9 Enneagram types –

• Type 1: Idealist: Reformer, logical, moral, rigid.

• Type 2: Caregiver: affectionate, outgoing, caring, loving, people-oriented.

• Type 3: Achiever: driven, focused, ambitious, goal-oriented, optimistic, extroverted.

• Type 4: Individualist: Romantic, introverted, creative, thoughtful.

• Type 5: Investigator: Skeptic, curious, investigative, knowledgeable, open-minded

• Type 6: Loyalist: Loyal, friendly, dependable, keen, engaging, committed

• Type 7: Adventurer: Funny, outgoing, adventurous, enthusiastic, novelty-seeking

• Type 8: Challenger: Intimidating, focused, strong-willed, opposing, rigid

• Type 9: Peacemaker: Calm, relaxed, conflict-avoiding, peaceful, friendly.

What are these 5 insights into how the accuracy of Enneagrams is unclear?

It’s uncertain how accurate the Enneagram tests are from a scientific standpoint.

To fully comprehend the Enneagram’s accuracy, potential advantages, and relevant applications, more research is required. There have been a few investigations on its consistency and accuracy, but they are few and their findings are conflicting.

The Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator is a well-known Enneagram screen that researchers have examined (RHETI). There are 144 questions in the RHETI. 

You must select one out of two answers for each question. One question might inquire as to whether you tend to be more independent or involved with others. Following an automated calculation of the responses, you are given the outcomes.

RHETI was the subject of research by one team of scientists. It was discovered that the RHETI was constant across all of the participants. If a screening is consistent, it is probable that the findings will be the same no matter how many times you take it.

On the test’s accuracy, the study found a range of outcomes, nevertheless. There could be fewer than nine unique personality types, according to the study.

Many other businesses and organisations have developed their own Enneagram evaluations and exercises. There might be a few or as many as 100 questions on the examinations. The tests’ degree of accuracy varies, therefore their outcomes might change.

The Enneagram system is used and studied in various ways by individuals.

One approach is termed the narrative method. This approach aims to help you comprehend both yourself and other people better.

Listening to people and their opinions is one step in the process. Participants have a greater understanding of the factors that may cause people to act or react in specific circumstances differently than they would.

Participants may become more receptive to people with various personality traits and life experiences as a result of this. Additionally, it could enable individuals to recognise and alter their own unfavourable tendencies.

According to one study, the narrative approach may aid in personal development. The Gifts of the Narrative Tradition curriculum was most beneficial to those who completed 40 or more hours.

The Enneagram may have other applications that scientists from all across the world are still exploring.

For instance, a study conducted in Iran revealed that Enneagram personality types may be able to predict how people view their health. Researchers are hoping that by sharing this knowledge, healthcare professionals would be better equipped to discuss patients’ healthcare options with them.

The Enneagram is a useful tool for figuring out who you are as a person. 

Human personality types are described using this typology method. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all remedy and its usage is not scientifically validated. Despite the increasing usage of Enneagram personality tests on social media, their validity is called into question.

There are nine different personality types in this theory. The Greek words enneas, which means nine, and grammas, which means point, are used to create the Enneagram. 

Each of us possesses characteristics from one or more of these groups. While there is no proof that these kinds are genetically determined, they do appear to be preset. These nine personality types are labelled with numbers ranging from one to nine and are quite consistent.

The Enneagram’s 10 types are divided into groups based on how dominant particular features are. A person’s conduct under stress or pressure is represented by the “Direction of Stress.” 

The personality reacts differently in different situations. The Enneagram is known for this trait. Many of the same qualities may be found in different varieties, yet they are distinct at different periods.

The Enneagram has an enigmatic past. 

Its origin is uncertain, however, it may trace back to the ancient Greeks. Business and spiritual contexts have embraced the method, which is frequently employed as a tool for self-development. 

Despite its broad adoption, this approach has not been scientifically evaluated. Its advantages are mostly unknown, but its popularity in the corporate world and spiritual circles has skyrocketed.

Each individual has a core type, and their wing types, which are equidistant from one another, have the ability to influence their core type. The wing kinds, which are conventionally referred to by the letter “w,” can impact the core type. 

Because each wing can have varying degrees of dominance in a person’s life, a person may exhibit qualities from both wings depending on their surroundings.

An Enneagram test cannot determine a person’s personality type due to the Barnum effect. 

The Barnum effect makes people feel their personality descriptions are more accurate than they actually are. 

Because the description of an individual is relevant to practically everyone, this impact may be quite troublesome. Furthermore, more complex Enneagram tests have been designed with a scientific guise, although their effectiveness is debatable.

Furthermore, the numbers allocated to one individual may differ from those assigned to others, and retesting may change that number. While the Enneagram has old wisdom traditions such as Christianity and Judaism at its origins, it has many current uses. 

It’s even grown popular among Christians, however, there are certain drawbacks to be aware of. A test, for example, might result in the formation of a type-based self-image and even a mistaken sense of self.

Another issue with a difficult-to-define personality type is the capacity to listen to others. The issue is that Type Three finds it difficult to listen to criticism since it involves too much energy. 

This implies that when customers leave unfavourable comments, they may turn away. As a result, it’s crucial to pay attention to the person’s mannerisms and interactions with others.

While taking an Enneagram exam has several advantages, it does not provide a final answer. The purpose of the Enneagram tests is to assist in the self-exploration of the human mind. It can aid in the understanding of a person’s personality and motives. 

These tests can also be used to spot bad behaviours and responses. There is no one-size-fits-all Enneagram exam since they are based on diverse personalities.

A rudimentary grasp of your personality type may be gained by taking an Enneagram test. It is advised that you do not rely on a single test to cover all bases. It’s better to get a thorough understanding of all nine categories. 

You may accomplish so by interacting with a variety of materials and keeping an open mind. However, certain personality tests are more suited to some personalities than others.

The iEQ9 exam can be utilised for a more in-depth study. It has pro and standard choices for determining a person’s number, subtype, centre, wing, and integration level. 

Both kinds have strengths and shortcomings, which may be assessed using the Enneagram. Both are valuable in determining a person’s personality, but the best test for a certain person is the one that suits their requirements.

Conclusion – 

This blog post attempted to answer the question, “How accurate are Enneagrams?” and reviewed the concept of Enneagrams and how Enneagram tests work to help determine how accurate Enneagrams are. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.

References –

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