All of us have unique personalities—that’s what makes the world such an interesting place! Despite our differences, though, we’re all human at the end of the day, so the ways in which we think, feel, and behave naturally overlap. To delve deeper into human behavior, psychologists invented certain models and systems to categorize personality traits into distinct groups. While you might have heard of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the Big Five, one personality framework that’s taken the internet by storm in recent years is the Enneagram.
The Enneagram is a personality framework with nine interconnected types, each of which offer insights into our motivations, fears, and unconscious patterns. For example, Ree Drummond is a Type 7, known for their enthusiasm, spontaneity, and sense of adventure. “I took the Enneagram personality test for fun, but my result rings true for me,” she says, adding: “life of the party, enthusiastic, but also disorganized and scatterbrained, which is in line with Enneagram 7!”
Since each type reveals a different way of viewing and relating to the world, the Enneagram can help us understand ourselves and those around us better. Whether you’re looking to improve your relationships or simply gain a little self-awareness, the Enneagram can be a fun and enlightening tool.
What is the Enneagram test?
The Enneagram test is a personality assessment that helps people identify which of the nine personality types best describes them. "The Enneagram is a personality typing system that divides people into nine unique types based on core motivations, fears, and desires,” says Stephanie Lewis, a licensed clinical social worker and the executive director of Epiphany Wellness Centers, “It is designed to help people understand themselves more deeply by exploring their internal drivers and thought patterns."
What are the nine different Enneagram types?
- Type 1: The Reformer - Ethical, principled, and perfectionistic, Type 1s strive for integrity and balance. They’re often motivated by a desire to improve themselves and the world around them, seeking justice and high moral standards.
- Type 2: The Helper - Generous, empathetic, and nurturing, Type 2s thrive on giving and meeting the needs of others. They often seek love and approval through their selflessness and kindness, sometimes at the expense of their own needs.
- Type 3: The Achiever - Success-oriented, adaptable, and driven, Type 3s are focused on accomplishments and image. They’re highly motivated to excel, often measuring their worth through their achievements and the admiration of others.
- Type 4: The Individualist - Creative, sensitive, and introspective, Type 4s embrace their uniqueness and seek deep emotional connections. They often experience intense feelings and strive to express their individuality, feeling a sense of longing for identity.
- Type 5: The Investigator - Analytical, perceptive, and reserved, Type 5s are curious minds who seek to understand the world around them. They often prefer solitude to recharge, and they value knowledge and expertise, sometimes withdrawing emotionally from others.
- Type 6: The Loyalist - Committed, security-oriented, and responsible, Type 6s tend to anticipate risks and prepare for worst-case scenarios. They value loyalty and support, and they often seek safety in their relationships and environments as they grapple with doubts and fears.
- Type 7: The Enthusiast - Spontaneous, fun-loving, and versatile, Type 7s are the adventurers of the Enneagram. They seek experiences and joy, often avoiding pain or boredom by diving into new activities and ideas.
- Type 8: The Challenger - Assertive, decisive, and strong-willed, Type 8s are natural leaders who seek to assert control and protect their environments. They value strength and independence, often pushing back against perceived weaknesses within themselves and in others.
- Type 9: The Peacemaker - Easygoing, accommodating, and supportive, Type 9s strive for harmony and aim to avoid conflict. They often prioritize the needs of others above their own in order to keep the peace, but in doing so, they sometimes struggle to assert their desires.
How can the Enneagram help us better understand ourselves and others?
Many people find that the Enneagram is beneficial for personal development and interpersonal relationships, because the framework provides a deeper understanding of core motivations, fears, and desires. Unlike many personality tests that intensely focus on behaviors, the Enneagram reveals the why behind actions, giving people a clearer view of their strengths and limitations. "By recognizing your core motivations and blind spots, you can approach personal challenges with more self-compassion and insight,” Lewis explains.
The Enneagram also helps individuals learn the perspectives of others—whether it’s your partner, friends, or colleagues. "Knowing someone’s Enneagram type can give you a window into their world and how they process experiences," Lewis says. This understanding can, in turn, lead to more empathy and stronger, healthier connections.
Can you be more than one personality type?
While everyone has a dominant Enneagram type, you can certainly display traits from other types, primarily through “wings” (the types adjacent to your primary type on the Enneagram chart). "We might lean into behaviors from other types under stress or during personal growth," Lewis notes. "This adds flexibility and richness to the Enneagram, helping you understand the complexity of your personality beyond just one label." If you find that the nuances are overwhelming, Lewis recommends working with a mental health professional to unpack and navigate your Enneagram type more deeply.
Where can I take the Enneagram test?
If you’re ready to discover your Enneagram type, The Enneagram Institute offers a detailed, paid assessment with comprehensive insights into your personality type, as well as a free, shorter version for a more general overview. You can also check out Truity, which provides a free version of the Enneagram test, along with a summary of your type. For a fun twist, try 16Personalities, another free test that combines the Enneagram with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator for an in-depth look at your personality.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
