Why is everyone obsessed with the Enneagram personality test?

What type are you?

I was having lunch with a colleague last week when she told me about her recent obsession with the Enneagram test. She’d recently done it herself, and had already got her partner, housemate and another colleague onto it. Even Amy Pohler was on board with Enneagram tests, mentioning on her podcast that she was an eight.

I was immediately intrigued. Sitting in a similar world to horoscopes and those old Buzzfeed quizzes, there’s something about taking the time to answer questions about yourself, and having an explanation spat back out at you.

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While I’d done the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test a number of times over the past decade (another highly popular personality test), the Enneagram was new to me. I promptly opened up the tab that night and went through dozens of questions, which took at least 20 minutes, even paying two dollars to be able to see my result.

Once I found out my type (it’s five, for anyone curious), I trawled through the explanation, finding it eerily fitting. I also immediately wanted to know what everyone else in my life was.

So what exactly is the Enneagram test?

According to psychologist Bec McWilliam, the Enneagram is a personality framework, describing nine different personality types, each with its own set of motivations, fears, strengths and challenges. After doing the test, you’re alloted one core type.

While the history behind the Enneagram is a little vague, the development of the test appears to be credited to Bolivian Philosopher, Oscar Ichazo. However, where other psychological assessments are developed through scientific research, Bec notes that the Enneagram was born from through spiritual and philosophical traditions, gaining popularity in personal development circles.

In short, take it with a grain of salt.

The Enneagram’s nine different personality types

One: The Reformer

Defined by a strong sense of right and wrong, ones are strong advocates for change. They’re idealistic yet rational, and its their practicality that sets them apart. Though they tend to be organised and orderly, this can mean they can slip into being overly critical or perfectionistic.

Two: The Helper

Twos are driven by helping others. They’re known for their generosity and thoughtfulness. While self-sacrificing, the flip side in being so devout to others, is that they risk putting their needs second, or feeling resentful when they don’t receive the same kind of care back.

Three: The Achiever

At their best, threes are role models, full of determination and in constant pursuit of success. They’re less concerned with modesty, instead focused on distinguishing themselves from other people.  The downside of this personality type is that this can easily make them workaholics, who don’t know when to pause.

Four: The Individualist

Fours are introspective and sensitive – and while this can mean they’re often creative and imaginative, they can also be moody and self-conscious. They’re known for withdrawing from the world and into themselves, meaning they’re less inclined to lean on other people.

Five: The Investigator

Fives are most commonly characterised as thinkers, innovators and observers. Fives are motivated by the idea of doing something great and leaving their mark; they can risk becoming detached, intense or isolating themselves.

Six: The Loyalist

Sixes are steadfast, committed and security-oriented. They’re great at championing others and creating co-operative environments, to the point where they’ll go down with a sinking ship.

Seven: The Enthusiast

Extroverted, spontaneous and playful, sevens are ‘restless explorers‘. Rather than sitting still, they chase the things that make them feel alive. Of course, while they have a natural excitement and thirst for life, this can make them scattered and unbalanced.

Eight: The Challenger

Eights are fearless – or at least they appear to be. Confident, pro-active and assertive, they’re not afraid to take up space and fight back if they need to. The flip side of this can mean that they risk coming across as domineering or combative.

Nine: The Peacemaker

The final personality type on the Enneagram list, nines are the most easy-going of the bunch. They go with the flow, preferring to keep the peace and avoid conflict. Naturally, this can tip into complacency, minimising problems and not standing up for themselves.

Why are we so obsessed with personality tests?

Whether it’s the Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, or a Buzzfeed quiz, personality quizzes are often less about labels and more about introspection. “Most of us want to understand who we are, why we behave the way we do and how we fit into the world around us,” explains Bec. “Personality tests can provide a language for describing experiences that may have previously felt difficult to articulate.”

“Many people find the Enneagram helpful for exploring patterns in how they think, feel and relate to others.” However, not all personality tests have the same level of scientific evidence behind them as other psychological and scientific assessment tools.

Although personality tests can be helpful jumping-off points, Bec warns against growing too attached to a label. “Personality frameworks can be useful when they help us understand ourselves but less helpful when they start limiting us,” she says.

Rather than searching for a final, definitive answer, she encourages using them as points of reflection. “If a framework encourages greater self-awareness, compassion and growth, it can be valuable. But no quiz can fully capture the richness and complexity of being human.”

For more on personality tests, try this.