Today, there are a lot of tests aimed at showing you who you are, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the HIGH5 Test, DiSC, 16 Personality Factors Questionnaire and many more. These tests help people discover themselves and provide comfort in the knowledge that, sometimes, their actions and feelings aren’t so out of the box. The test that has most recently captured the spotlight is the Enneagrams Test. 

The Enneagram can’t be pinpointed to one creator, but its roots can be found in the South American philosopher Oscar Ichazo’s research in the mid-20th century. In a nutshell, it’s a system of personalities that describe people in terms of nine types, which emotionally focuses on a person’s core motivations and fears. Some of them are more intune with strong emotions, while others strongly avoid them at all costs. 

These nine types of personalities can be divided into three main groups: heart, head and body. 

Types Two, Three and Four are in the heart group, relying on their emotional intelligence to understand their own reactions and connect with those around them. Those in the heart group are also focused greatly on self-image, as they feel a need to be accepted and loved by all. 

Meanwhile, Types Five, Six and Seven are from the head group, who rely mostly on their intellect to understand and navigate the world around them. They also can be quite the overthinkers, as they search for a sense of security and guidance. 

Types Eight, Nine and One make up the body group. Those in the body group follow their gut and listen to instinct. Their characteristics can also be related to action and anger. 

No one is a single type though, as the test results work in percentages. Everyone has at least a little bit of every type, but some percentages are going to be higher than others. Therefore, it’s helpful to have an understanding of every type of Enneagram.  

Type One is the perfectionist. They have a desire to live the right way. Ones are usually very hard on themselves, as they wish to avoid blame and fault at all costs and mostly see the world in black and white. Additionally, they are very reliable and dedicated. They are the ones you call in a crisis. Overall, these are the people that you can find at Ellis Library at all hours, perfecting their assignments to the very last detail. 

Type Twos, or the helpers, are the people who are always there to support those they care about. They are also very giving. On the flip side, Type Twos also have a need to be loved and needed 24/7, and they will sacrifice their own boundaries for others and always think they know best. Their worst nightmare is being unworthy and they strive to be loved. They are the friends that will let their friends use their meal plan, even if it’s at Panda Express. 

The achiever is another name for Type Three. They are success—oriented and driven. Still, Type Threes tend to care a little bit too much what others think and avoid any semblance of failure at all costs. At that, they are also very adaptable and productive, even if they think their worth lies in what they do and not who they are. The achievers are those that insist in having all As and a 4.0 GPA, while also being in various clubs. 

Whatever you do, never call a Type Four ordinary. The individualist is focused on feeling all their emotions, even if their moodiness hinders them. They are very creative, introspective and sensitive. Regardless, Type Fours also fear having no identity and need to feel seen at all times. You know those friends that say they have an obscure music taste, and insist on listening to indie rock bands no one’s ever heard of? Yeah, those are Type Fours for sure. 

Bookworms can be found in Type Five, the investigator. This type loves to learn, is very curious and insightful, yet tends to also be private and detached. Type Five usually struggles to connect with emotions and is a loner by nature. They fear being helpless and incapable, hence striving to be competent at all times. Type Five is the friend you go to whenever you need to know something about anything, as chances are they know it. 

The most common is Type Six, The Loyalist. The need for security causes them to be the worst-case-scenario overthinker, making them prepare for the worst. Nonetheless, loyalists are very committed, witty and practical. Although, Type Six still struggles with self-doubt, and can be anxious. You could say these are the Mom/Dad friends of the group, for they always come prepared. 

Type Seven is the enthusiast — the loving and positive type. With their happy-go-lucky attitude, Type Sevens are spontaneous and full of energy. However, they use this attitude to avoid being hurt and fear being tied down. Struggling to recognize limits, Type Sevens also tend to overexert themselves. There are currently more than 500 clubs at MU, and Type Sevens are the ones that take part in all of them. 

Strength and leadership are some of the characteristics of a Type Eight, the challenger. With a reputation to maintain, Type Eight never shows weakness and isn’t afraid to go after what they want or stand up for what they believe. Known as the protector, they also have a tendency to control everyone and everything around them, while being very self-confident and direct. There is always that one person in a group assignment that will take command and demand you do exactly what they say, that is a Type Eight for you. 

Lastly, there is the peacemaker. Type Nine seeks harmony, comfort and peace at all times, which means they will always choose to avoid conflict even if that means sacrificing something they want or need. They go with the flow, yet can end up exploding with all the emotions they have kept in for too long. Their worst fear is feeling disconnected, separated and lost, and thus aspire towards internal and external stability. You know that person that chose their major solely to appease their parents even if they don’t really like it? Most likely, they are Type Nine. 

You are now ready to discover a little bit more about yourself, and even be surprised by it. The Journal of Adult Development found that those that took the Enneagram test experienced personal growth. Moreover, Contemporary Family Therapy found that it could also facilitate therapy and promote awareness in the counseling relationship. In conclusion, Enneagrams are a way to help you better relate and communicate with others. So, take the test and find your numbers today, Tigers!

Edited by Ever Cole, ecole@themaneater.com

Copyedited by Shirin Rekabdar-Xavier and Mary Philip