Enneagram Test

## **What is the Enneagram Personality Model?** The Enneagram is a dynamic personality theory that describes nine distinct strategies (types) by which the human psyche develops a worldview and relates to the self and others. The theory proposes that each person develops a predominant type characterized by a fundamental basic fear and a corresponding basic desire, which shape the essential motivations underlying their behavior (Alexander & Schnipke, 2020). This approach provides insight into an individual's psychological well-being by illustrating predictable patterns of behavior under conditions of stress and security, as well as connections to other types that represent directions of integration (growth) and disintegration (stress) (Alexander & Schnipke, 2020). The nine types are also often grouped into the Enneagram triads or the three "Centers of Intelligence"—the Instinctive, Feeling, and Thinking centers—each associated with a dominant unconscious emotional response like anger, shame, or fear (The Enneagram Institute, ‌ 2024). The Enneagram has been used in psychology and psychiatry since the 1970s, though its popular use in self-help and corporate training has grown significantly. In clinical settings, some mental health professionals have utilized the Enneagram for purposes such as diagnosis and psychotherapy, viewing it as a valuable tool for describing personality and improving self-awareness and interpersonal dynamics.

## **What is an Enneagram Test?** The Enneagram Test is one of the many personality tests people may encounter online. If you have heard about Myers-Briggs, [16 Personality](https://www.carepatron.com/templates/16pf/), or MBTI, it is closely familiar with these. This enneagram personality test reveals a good understanding of an individual's personality based on their responses to each statement. Regarding the background of its translation, the term Enneagram means 'drawing of nine.' The Greek word 'ennea' means nine, and 'gram' means figure or drawing. This creates the definition drawing of nine, deeply related to the nine different figures or personalities. The nine personality types in the Enneagram Test are identified numerically and defined by a specific title. The numerals are categorized by the typical personality and traits they hold. Enneagram Tests can aid in a deeper understanding of an individual's motivation, emotions, fears, strengths, and weaknesses. Other times, people refer to it as the number personality test or personality number quiz because it refers to an aspect of the Enneagram Test, such as identifying one's Enneagram type by selecting a number associated with certain personality traits or tendencies. It is often used by healthcare professionals like counselors, life coaches, psychologists, leadership coaches, and religious groups to gain insights, understand clients, and understand how personality influences relationships, beliefs, and behaviors, to name a few. ### **How can Enneagram personality test results improve relationships?** Understanding one's Enneagram type can be transformative for your clients' relationships. Insights into behavior patterns and communication styles empower them to navigate interactions with heightened awareness and empathy. By recognizing and appreciating the Enneagram types of others, clients can foster healthier dynamics and communication. For instance, identifying the Helper's (Type 2) tendency to prioritize others can aid in setting boundaries, while understanding the Investigator's (Type 5) need for privacy can lead to establishing respect. ### **How can official Enneagram Test results support clients' personal growth?** Enneagram results offer a roadmap for growth, pinpointing strengths and areas needing development. Each type comes with tailored growth suggestions to achieve balance and self-awareness. For instance, if your client is a Type 3 (The Achiever), focus on fostering authenticity and self-worth beyond achievements. Encourage assertiveness and goal prioritization for a Type 9 (The Peacemaker). Understanding how different types handle stress and conflict equips clients with healthier coping mechanisms. They can tackle obstacles hindering personal development by grasping core motivations and fears. ### **Considerations and limitations** In traditional Enneagram theory, a person has one core type, often influenced by one or both wings (neighboring types), and the dynamics of the lines of stress/growth (connected types). Remember that the Enneagram doesn't rigidly define personality; human psychology is dynamic and may evolve. Additionally, note that while it offers a rich framework for personal growth and has shown some benefits in qualitative studies, researchers advocate developing more stable and valid measures to firmly establish the Enneagram's place alongside empirically validated models like the Big Five [Personality Traits](https://www.carepatron.com/templates/big-5-personality-test).

## **How to use this Enneagram Test template?** Discovering personality types is a fun activity that involves knowing the inner self. Not only is it helpful to know oneself better, but it also directs how to overcome fears and realize motivations. Administer this Free Enneagram Personality Test to your patient by following these steps:  ### **Step 1: Download the template** Once the test is downloaded, print the file for the client. The file is editable and may be administered during the digital or virtual consultation. ### **Step 2: Read each line carefully** Explain the statements to the client and advise to ensure that each statement is well-understood to get the best results. ### **Step 3: Pay attention to the choices** Ensure that the level of agreement is clear to the client. Explain how each question can be answered and the range or level of agreement to a particular item. You may also show how to answer an example item so that it is more apparent how to respond to the questions. ### **Step 4: Check the answers** Once the client is through with answering the test, make sure that all fields are completed. Double-check all items so that you may proceed with the calculation. ### **Step 5: Read the results** After completing the calculations, read out to the client their core enneagram type and address their concerns about their personal development. Relate their results to their situation and lead them to self-discovery through their completed test, which can tell them not only their enneagram type but also the enneagram wings, which provide a more detailed understanding of their personality. Do note that this is merely a sample. The most accurate Enneagram test would be the longer version of the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI) or the Integrative Enneagram Questionnaire (iEQ9).

## **Additional resources** Looking for more personality tests to give your client? Here are some you can download: - **[Big 5 Personality Test](https://www.carepatron.com/templates/big-5-personality-test/#app-chapter-one)**: Understand your patients more deeply based on the core principles of the Big Five, also known as the OCEAN model. - **[Avoidant Personality Disorder Test](https://www.carepatron.com/templates/avoidant-personality-disorder-test#app-chapter-one)**: Increase your client's awareness and understanding of avoidance personality disorder traits for personal growth and well-being. - **[Eysenck Personality Questionnaire](https://www.carepatron.com/templates/eysenck-personality-questionnaire/#app-chapter-one)**: Evaluate your client's personality based on four key personality dimensions: extraversion, neuroticism, psychoticism, and lie.

## **References** Alexander, M., & Schnipke, B. (2020). The Enneagram: A primer for psychiatry residents. American Journal of Psychiatry Residents Journal, 15(3), 2–5. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2020.150301 The Enneagram Institute. ‌(2024, February 28). How the Enneagram system works. https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/how-the-enneagram-system-works/#:~:text=In%20the%20Instinctive%20Center%2C%20the,by%20that%20Center's%20emotional%20theme.