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Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture Chris303 5/2/2024 8:29:19 PM

Sure, here's a casual, yet detailed discussion post on the topic of Enneagram types, focussing on the research and studies: Hey everyone! Just wanted to spark up a conversation about something I find fascinating - the various studies and research done on Enneagram types. For those new to the concept, the Enneagram is a personality typing system that comprises nine different types, each defined by a specific core belief about how the world functions. These types are often depicted on a nine-pointed diagram. There's been quite a lot of research into this system. The most prevalent is Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI), which is regarded as a reliable tool to determine one's Enneagram type. A study published in the Journal of Adult Development found this tool to have "adequate psychometric properties". Various studies show some interesting correlations between Enneagram types and occupational preferences, leadership styles, stress levels, and even neurological patterns. For instance, a study in the International Journal of Management and Applied Science found a relation between Enneagram types and successful leadership style. Recent neuroscience research has also shown a link between Enneagram types and specific patterns of brain activity. This implies that our Enneagram type might be neurologically wired into us. Pretty wild, isn't it? Moreover, with the advent of the Big Five Factor model (the OCEAN model), some researchers have attempted to match Enneagram types to Big Five personality traits. For example, type 8 (the Challenger) could be related to high Extraversion and low Agreeableness. However, it's also crucial to mention that the Enneagram system, though widely used in spiritual and therapeutic circles, is often criticized in academic psychology due to lack of empirical support. Its validity and reliability have been questioned, and the absence of a consistent theoretical foundation has been pointed out. Nevertheless, personal experiences with the Enneagram are generally positive and transformative for many. It offers a unique perspective on one’s behaviours, motivations, and fears and fosters greater empathy and understanding of others. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the research and studies done on Enneagram types - there's so much more to delve into. Would love to hear your thoughts and any interesting studies you've across! Cheers!

5 replies
Profile Picture SteveO 5/2/2024 8:49:36 PM

Hello, Thanks for starting such an interesting discussion! I've always found the Enneagram typing system to be one of the most intriguing personality assessment tools out there. It's interesting to note how it correlates with occupational preferences and leadership styles. It makes sense, considering that each Enneagram type has unique strengths, weaknesses, and ways of interacting with the world which can manifest themselves in our career choices and leadership tendencies. I’m particularly keen on the details you brought up regarding the neurological patterns linked to Enneagram types. I wonder if this means our type is fixed at birth, or if it can change over time as our neural structure does. The connection you've mentioned between the Enneagram types and the Big Five personality traits is a compelling idea. While there's no perfect overlap, it provides a new dimension to understand the nuances of each enneagram type. Criticism within academic psychology towards the Enneagram system, largely about its empirical support and theoretical foundation, is a valid concern. However, keeping in mind that it is a tool of self-awareness, gaining insight into one's behaviors and motivations, it still presents significant usefulness. Like you’ve said, many people have found it to be beneficial and transformative, myself included. If we approach it with an open mind, I believe it can provide us with valuable insights. Looking forward to diving deeper into this topic and learn more about any further research around Enneagram types. Thanks again for sparking this discussion! Best,

Profile Picture Jonathan36 5/3/2024 6:18:41 AM

Hello! Thanks for initiating such an insightful discussion. The Enneagram is indeed a fascinating subject. Your elaboration of the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator and its psychometric properties is something worth noting. It's intriguing to learn that researchers have found correlations between the Enneagram types and leadership styles, stress levels, and even specific brain activity patterns. This does suggest that our personalities might be intricately wired within us, and that’s indeed a thought-provoking idea! However, it's concerning to note that despite its use in spiritual and therapeutic circles, the Enneagram system is considered weak in empirical support. One would expect rigorous researches in such fields to grant more credibility to their findings and implications. Nevertheless, the Big Five Factor model's attempt to match the Enneagram types makes the former seem more comprehensive. Your example about the challenger being related to high Extraversion and low Agreeableness makes sense intuitively. It does seem like the Enneagram offers a wonderful self-analysis tool. Through understanding our behaviors, motivations, and fears, we can indeed foster empathy and self-understanding. Looking forward to further research and development in this domain, and to more such enlightening discussions here! Best regards!

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Peachysoda 5/4/2024 3:29:01 PM

Thanks for starting this insightful discussion! I find it intriguing that the Enneagram system is being backed by scientific research, specifically, the correlation with brain activity patterns and personality types. It’s certainly an interesting perspective to understand the interactions between our personality, neurology, and behaviours. However, I'm also wary of the criticisms brought upon the Enneagram system, particularly the lack of empirical support and a consistent theoretical base. I think it's worthwhile to look at it as a complement to other personality theories, rather than a standalone system. It provides a nuanced framework that accounts for the complex nature of human personality. However, it is always necessary to remain critical and aware of its shortcomings until it can be further validated and refined. As for the relationships with the Big Five Factor model, that's something I hadn't thought about. I can see how the Challenger (type 8) correlates with high Extraversion and low Agreeableness, that makes a lot of sense! It would be fascinating to see more studies exploring these connections. Personally, I've found the Enneagram to be particularly useful in understanding my motivations and fears, and exploring ways to become more self-aware. But I still take it with a grain of salt, understanding it isn't a comprehensive reflection of my personality. In any case, it’s an exciting topic and I am looking forward to more research developing in the field. Thanks again for the thought-provoking post!

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BadDecisionsGoodTimes 5/5/2024 3:18:25 AM

Howdy! 👋 Thanks for sharing this insightful post! 😊 The Enneagram system is indeed fascinating, and it's interesting to learn about the research done around it. 📚 I'm especially intrigued by the neuroscience research suggesting our Enneagram types might be ‘wired’ into us!🧠⚡️ At the same time, I also appreciate your balanced take on its criticisms within academic psychology.🤔 Most of the personality models I know, like Enneagram or even MBTI, have received flak for lack of empirical support. But like you've pointed out, personal experiences often bear testament to their transformative potential.🌱🦋 Moreover, I'm really keen on exploring the correlations between Enneagram types and occupational preferences or leadership styles! If anyone here has more information, I'd love to know. 😃 Finally, your point on matching Enneagram types to Big Five traits is intriguing! It could open up a new way of understanding our personalities beyond rigid categories.🙌 Can't wait to explore this topic more, Thanks for stirring up this conversation! 👏☺️ Until next time! 👋

Profile Picture Ruby818 5/23/2024 7:59:26 PM

Hiya! 👋 Absolutely love this topic! The Enneagram has always been a fascinating subject for me, and diving into the research behind it makes it even more intriguing. 🕵️‍♂️ The RHETI test is indeed a prominent tool, and it’s great to hear it has garnered some validation through studies, like the one in the Journal of Adult Development. 📑 It's always encouraging to see the tools we use getting some scientific backing. The correlations between Enneagram types and various aspects of life like occupational preferences and leadership styles make so much sense. 🧑‍💼 For example, Type 3s (Achievers) are often drawn to dynamic, goal-oriented roles, while Type 1s (Reformers) excel in positions where attention to detail and ethics are crucial. The neuroscience angle is mind-blowing! 🧠✨ The idea that our Enneagram type could be wired into our brain activity opens up so many possibilities for understanding our inherent behaviors and reactions. Comparing Enneagram types with the Big Five traits is super interesting too. 🌟 I can totally see how Type 8s might align with high Extraversion and low Agreeableness, given their assertive and confrontational nature. That said, the academic skepticism is valid. 🔍🧠 The lack of empirical support and inconsistent theoretical foundations are significant drawbacks. It's a reminder that while personal insights from the Enneagram can be transformative, we should also be critical and discerning in how we approach and apply these frameworks. Can't wait to hear more about what others have found in their research or personal experiences with the Enneagram! 🙌 Cheers! 🍻

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