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The Enneagram is a popular personality framework that categorizes human behavior into nine distinct types. Each type has unique motivations, fears, and desires. On the other hand, the Big Five personality traits—openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism—provide a comprehensive model for understanding personality. This article explores how each Enneagram type typically scores on the Big Five dimensions.
Understanding the Big Five Personality Traits
The Big Five personality traits are widely accepted in psychology and can be summarized as follows:
- Openness: Reflects imagination and insight, and is associated with a willingness to try new things.
- Conscientiousness: Indicates a tendency to be organized, dependable, and disciplined.
- Extraversion: Characterizes sociability, assertiveness, and a tendency to seek stimulation in the company of others.
- Agreeableness: Involves being compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and antagonistic.
- Neuroticism: Refers to the tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
Enneagram Type 1: The Reformer
Type 1 individuals are ethical, dedicated, and reliable. They often strive for perfection and have a strong sense of right and wrong.
- Openness: Low to moderate
- Conscientiousness: High
- Extraversion: Low to moderate
- Agreeableness: High
- Neuroticism: Moderate to high
Enneagram Type 2: The Helper
Type 2 individuals are caring, interpersonal, and generous. They seek to help others and are often seen as warm and nurturing.
- Openness: Moderate
- Conscientiousness: Moderate
- Extraversion: High
- Agreeableness: Very high
- Neuroticism: Moderate
Enneagram Type 3: The Achiever
Type 3 individuals are success-oriented, adaptive, and excelling. They are often driven by the desire to be seen as successful and valuable.
- Openness: Moderate
- Conscientiousness: High
- Extraversion: Very high
- Agreeableness: Moderate
- Neuroticism: Low to moderate
Enneagram Type 4: The Individualist
Type 4 individuals are sensitive, introspective, and expressive. They often feel different from others and seek identity and meaning.
- Openness: High
- Conscientiousness: Low to moderate
- Extraversion: Low
- Agreeableness: Moderate
- Neuroticism: High
Enneagram Type 5: The Investigator
Type 5 individuals are perceptive, innovative, and secretive. They are often curious and seek to understand the world around them.
- Openness: High
- Conscientiousness: Moderate
- Extraversion: Low
- Agreeableness: Low to moderate
- Neuroticism: Moderate
Enneagram Type 6: The Loyalist
Type 6 individuals are committed, security-oriented, and responsible. They often seek safety and support from others.
- Openness: Low to moderate
- Conscientiousness: High
- Extraversion: Moderate
- Agreeableness: High
- Neuroticism: High
Enneagram Type 7: The Enthusiast
Type 7 individuals are spontaneous, versatile, and eager. They seek new experiences and avoid pain and discomfort.
- Openness: Very high
- Conscientiousness: Low
- Extraversion: Very high
- Agreeableness: Moderate
- Neuroticism: Low
Enneagram Type 8: The Challenger
Type 8 individuals are self-confident, decisive, and assertive. They often seek control and resist being controlled by others.
- Openness: Moderate
- Conscientiousness: High
- Extraversion: High
- Agreeableness: Low to moderate
- Neuroticism: Low
Enneagram Type 9: The Peacemaker
Type 9 individuals are easygoing, receptive, and reassuring. They prioritize harmony and often avoid conflict.
- Openness: Low to moderate
- Conscientiousness: Moderate
- Extraversion: Moderate
- Agreeableness: High
- Neuroticism: Moderate
Conclusion
Understanding how each Enneagram type scores on the Big Five can provide valuable insights into personality dynamics. This knowledge can enhance personal development, improve relationships, and foster better communication among individuals of different types.