Are Enneagram Tests Scientifically Backed?

Would you call yourself more responsible or spontaneous? Do you take better care of yourself or others? These are the types of questions that popular Enneagram tests ask. They may help you figure out which of nine personality types fit you best. 

The Enneagram personality system is often used by businesses for team building. Others find it helpful for personal or spiritual growth. But is the Enneagram based in science? And can it help you? Here’s what you should know. 

How does the Enneagram test work?

The Enneagram model is designed to help you understand your personality — and therefore yourself — better. It’s broken down into nine personality styles or types. The types are based on various traits, such as being more competitive or easygoing.

There are multiple tests available based on the Enneagram concept. The test results provide you with a ranking of the nine personality types. You may match well with one particular style or with multiple ones. Most versions of the test will include a strength score for each type, with your strongest matches at the top. 

While each Enneagram personality type is unique, the personalities also relate to each other.

For example, both type 2 (the helper) and type 3 (the achiever) tend to be more outgoing. However, those who are type 3 may be more focused on achieving big goals. Meanwhile, someone with type 2 personality may be motivated by helping others achieve their goals. 

On the other hand, type 5 (the investigator), is thought to be very different from 2 and 3. Someone who is more of an “investigator” would be more likely to stay home alone, lost in thought or reading about new ideas.

No one Enneagram type is better or worse than another, and the goal isn’t to change your personality. The goal is self-exploration and self-discovery. The Enneagram model may help you identify traits that are helpful to you, as well as ones that might get in your way. For example, a type 5 might become too isolated, while a type 3 could become too competitive. 

Where did the Enneagram test come from?

The Enneagram system itself has become increasingly popular recently, but it’s been around for many years. Most people give credit to Oscar Ichazo for creating today’s version of the Enneagram. He studied many spiritual and psychological ideas to come up with the nine personality types.

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Ichazo also adapted an older diagram — now known as the Enneagram symbol — to show the nine personality types. The Enneagram symbol of today includes a circle with connected lines inside. The lines create nine points, which represent the personality types and their connections to each other. 

What personality types does the Enneagram test identify?

The Enneagram personality types describe ways of being in the world and interacting with others. They may reflect how you communicate or how you prefer to spend your time. 

Here’s a look at the nine types and a few traits of each: 

1. The Perfectionist: Perfectionists are organized and responsible. They are often detail oriented and always looking to improve.

2. The Helper: Helpers are often focused on caring for others. They value relationships and connection. 

3. The Achiever: Achievers are confident, motivated, and competitive. They are often setting and achieving goals.

4. The Individualist: Individualists are in tune with their own emotions and, often, those of others. They may be seen as independent and creative. 

5. The Investigator: Investigators like to learn and analyze problems. They are often independent and may isolate themselves from others. 

6. The Loyalist: Loyalists are reliable and, as their name implies, loyal. They may be protective of some people and suspicious of others. 

7. The Enthusiast: Enthusiasts enjoy life. They are often outgoing, positive, and cheerful. They are optimistic and may look for excitement. 

8. The Challenger: Challengers are often leaders and like to take control of situations. They may be considered tough or confident. 

9. The Peacemaker: Peacemakers like things calm. Others may feel comforted by being around them. They often avoid conflict. 

Some Enneagram tests will also list “wings,” which include the two scores next to yours. So if you’re “an 8” then your wings are types 7 and 9. You might notice you have some traits from your wings, in addition to your main style. 

Most Enneagram experts suggest that you use your results only as a guide and do not think of them as the ultimate truth about your personality. You may actually identify more with a type that didn’t make it to the top of your list. 

Is the Enneagram test scientifically accurate?

It’s unclear how scientifically accurate Enneagram tests are. More research is needed to understand the accuracy, possible benefits, and appropriate uses of the Enneagram. While there have been a handful of studies on its consistency and accuracy, they are limited and have contradicting results. Let’s take a look at what some of the research shows. 

Scientists have looked at a well-known Enneagram screen called the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI). The RHETI is made up of 144 questions. Each question asks you to choose one of two options. For example, one question might ask if you are usually more independent or involved with others. The answers are then calculated automatically, and you receive your results.

One group of researchers investigated the RHETI in a study. It found the RHETI to be consistent among the participants. A consistent screen means that if you took it multiple times, you would likely get the same results each time. 

However, the study got mixed results on the test’s accuracy. The researchers suggested that there may be fewer than nine distinct personality types.

Many other organizations and companies have created their own Enneagram tests and quizzes. The tests may range from a handful of questions to more than 100. The accuracy of the tests vary, and each may provide different results.

People use and study the Enneagram system in different ways. One process is called the narrative method. The purpose of this method is to better understand yourself and others. 

One part of the process involves listening to others and their points of view. Participants learn to better understand why others may act or respond differently than they would in certain situations. 

This may help participants become more open to those with other personality types and experiences. It may also help them better understand and change negative patterns of their own. 

One study confirmed that the narrative method may help people with self-growth. Participants who completed 40 or more hours of the program, called The Gifts of the Narrative Tradition, benefited the most.

Scientists around the world continue to be curious about other possible uses for the Enneagram. For example, one study in Iran showed that Enneagram personality types may predict how people think about their health. Researchers hope this information might help healthcare providers know how best to talk to people about healthcare decisions. 

How do you use the results of an Enneagram test?

So will learning your Enneagram types actually help you? It depends on why you are taking it and how much you feel like you know yourself already. 

Personality screens like the Enneagram can be helpful. For example, if someone believes they work best in groups, it may feel satisfying to have that confirmed through a test score. It might also be informative and useful for someone who is unsure how to describe their personality or what direction to take in their career. 

Various organizations and training programs use the Enneagram in school and work settings. Some believe that by understanding your personality style and that of others, you may be able to work more easily together. 

Some people just take a test for fun or out of curiosity. You can even find your style without a test by reading through the descriptions and seeing which match you best.

You can decide on your own reason for taking an Enneagram test. And be sure to take the results with a grain or teaspoon of salt. Should you decide whether to take a job based on your results alone? Probably not. Could it be a helpful tool to understand why you tend to avoid going to events? Possibly.

If you’re unsure if it’s a good idea to use the tool or find your results upsetting, consider discussing it with a therapist. Also, keep in mind that the Enneagram test is not a mental health evaluation. If you’re struggling with conditions such as anxiety or depression, consider seeking professional help. 

How do you take the Enneagram test? 

Are you interested in taking an Enneagram test for yourself? There are many versions available in books and online. You might begin by searching “Enneagram test” online and reviewing the options.

Some of the tests are more comprehensive and provide several pages of results and feedback. Other tests may be shorter in length with less feedback. Depending on the website, tests may be free or require a fee. The RHETI, for example, costs $12 to take.

You can also find books in stores or your local library that focus on the Enneagram. They often include tests or thorough descriptions of each Enneagram type to help you explore your personality.

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Written by:

Jennie Bedsworth, LCSW

Jennie Bedsworth, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with 20 years of experience in journalism, teaching, and mental health. Prior to completing her master's degree, she wrote for The Furrow magazine and was editor of Missouri Ruralist magazine.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Mona Bapat, PhD, HSPP

Mona Bapat, PhD, HSPP, has 15 years of clinical experience providing therapy. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in Indiana and Illinois with treatment experience in individual, couples, family, and group therapy modalities.

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