Enneagram of Personality

Enneagram

== Enneagram of Personality ==

The Enneagram of Personality is a model of the human psyche which is principally understood and taught as a typology of nine interconnected personality types. The term "Enneagram" derives from the Greek words "ennea" (nine) and "gramma" (something written or drawn). The nine types are often referred to by their numbers, which are usually given in the form of a nine-pointed diagram.

History

The origins of the Enneagram of Personality are somewhat obscure, with influences from various spiritual and philosophical traditions. It was brought to the modern world by George Gurdjieff, who introduced the symbol, and later developed by Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo.

The Nine Types

Each of the nine types in the Enneagram has its own distinct set of characteristics, motivations, and fears. The types are:

1. **Type 1: The Reformer** - Principled, purposeful, self-controlled, and perfectionistic.
2. **Type 2: The Helper** - Generous, demonstrative, people-pleasing, and possessive.
3. **Type 3: The Achiever** - Adaptable, excelling, driven, and image-conscious.
4. **Type 4: The Individualist** - Expressive, dramatic, self-absorbed, and temperamental.
5. **Type 5: The Investigator** - Perceptive, innovative, secretive, and isolated.
6. **Type 6: The Loyalist** - Engaging, responsible, anxious, and suspicious.
7. **Type 7: The Enthusiast** - Spontaneous, versatile, acquisitive, and scattered.
8. **Type 8: The Challenger** - Self-confident, decisive, willful, and confrontational.
9. **Type 9: The Peacemaker** - Receptive, reassuring, complacent, and resigned.

Structure

The Enneagram is typically represented as a circle with nine points, each connected by lines. These lines indicate the directions of integration and disintegration, showing how each type behaves under stress and in growth.

Wings

Each personality type in the Enneagram can be influenced by one of the two adjacent types on the circle. These are known as "wings." For example, a Type 5 may have a 4-wing (5w4) or a 6-wing (5w6), which adds additional layers of complexity to the personality.

Applications

The Enneagram is used in various fields, including psychology, business, and spirituality. It is often employed for personal development, team building, and conflict resolution.

Criticism

While the Enneagram has many proponents, it also faces criticism. Some psychologists argue that it lacks empirical support and is not scientifically validated. Others see it as a useful tool for self-reflection and growth, despite its limitations.

Related Pages

• Personality psychology
• Myers–Briggs Type Indicator
• Carl Jung
• Self-help
• Spirituality