© Shutterstock

Human psyche -

The Enneagram of Personality, or, more simply, Enneagram, presents nine different personality types that reflect the model of the human psyche.

© Shutterstock

Nine-pointed symbol -

The word "Enneagram" has Greek roots. It refers to a symbol with nine points, consisting of three shapes: a circle, a hexagon, and a triangle.

© Shutterstock

Nine traits -

Enneagram describes nine strategies we use to relate to the world, and our reactions. Each strategy contains fears, desires, and patterns of behavior.

© Shutterstock

A coping strategy -

Each individual develops one of these strategies more than the others as a coping method by the time they adulthood, according to Enneagram theory.

© Shutterstock

Behavior explanation -

The fears and desires related to each type of strategy help explain the pattern of behavior that occurs in the individual in response to them.

© Shutterstock

Multidimensional -

Enneagram doesn't put a personality into one box. Instead, it claims it is multidimensional and contains elements of all nine strategies.

© Shutterstock

Core personality -

What the test uncovers is the person's "core"  type, which doesn't change. It then describes a range of behaviors associated with it, that provide insights about someone's personality.

© Shutterstock

Nine personality types -

The nine personality types outlined by the Enneagram are: the reformer, the helper, the achiever, the individualist, the investigator, the loyalist, the enthusiast, the challenger, and the peacemaker.

© Shutterstock

Nine types: The reformer (perfectionist) -

Reformers/perfectionist types are principled and organized. They are detail-oriented and struggle with the voice of their inner critic. Their basic desire is integrity, while their fear is corruption.

© Shutterstock

The reformer (perfectionist) -

Conscientious and orderly, they have a desire to improve themselves. They often appear critical or judgmental towards themselves and others.

© Shutterstock

The caregiver (helper) -

Caregivers/helpers are optimistic and warm; they seek to understand others and display compassion. Helpers fear being unworthy, and their basic desire is to be loved.

© Shutterstock

The caregiver (helper) -

Empathetic and kind, they are easily flattered. As they are always giving to others, they sometimes struggle with having their needs met.

© Shutterstock

The achiever (performer) -

Ambitious, driven, and efficient, the achiever/performer type is competitive and image-conscious. Their desire is to be valued and accepted, while they fear disappointing others.

© Shutterstock

The achiever (performer) -

This type feels pressure to remain busy and productive. They are competitive, goal-oriented, energetic, and charismatic.

© Shutterstock

The individualist -

Individualists are emotionally honest and value authenticity. Their basic desire is to find meaning, while they fear having no identity or significance.

© Shutterstock

The individualist -

Individualists are highly expressive, artistic, creative, and moody. They tend to be sensitive and self-absorbed.

© Shutterstock

The investigator (observer) -

Curious and perceptive, the investigator is also known as the observer. Their basic desire is to be competent, while they fear being useless or helpless.

© Shutterstock

The investigator (observer) -

They are analytical, cerebral, and private. They can struggle with social interactions, due to their tendency to isolate themselves.

© Shutterstock

The loyalist (guardian) -

Responsible and cautious, the loyalist likes clearly-defined roles and planning effectively. Their basic desire is to have security, and their basic fear is to lack it.

© Shutterstock

The loyalist (guardian) -

Loyalists are protective and concerned with problem-solving and security. They can be prone to feelings of suspicion, paranoia, and anxiety.

© Shutterstock

The enthusiast (dilettante) -

Enthusiasts are the "life of the party," characterized by their spontaneity. Their basic desire is to feel happy, while they fear feeling confined or in pain.

© Shutterstock

The enthusiast (dilettante) -

They have a strong sense of adventure, enthusiasm, and excitement. But they can be compulsive and struggle with commitment.

© Shutterstock

The challenger (controller) -

Assertive and powerful, challengers (or controllers) make effective leaders. Their basic desire is to be in control, and so they fear not being in control.

© Shutterstock

The challenger -

Challengers tend to have a strong sense of justice. Independent and tough, they can be perceived as overbearing and controlling.

© Shutterstock

The peacemaker -

Down-to-earth and easy-going, peacemakers care about harmony and seek to avoid conflict. Their basic desire is peace and stability, while they fear being disconnected and lost.

© Shutterstock

The peacemaker -

Open-minded, dependable, and likable, they can struggle with voicing their opinions. This can lead to peacemakers engaging in passive-aggressive behavior as a result.

© Shutterstock

History of Enneagram -

Enneagram has its roots in Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. However, it's not associated with the modern religion and it's not a religious symbol.

© Shutterstock

George Gurdjieff (1866-1949) -

Enneagram was first brought to the West by the Russian philosopher George Gurdjieff, in the early 1900s. The concepts were distilled by Chilean psychiatrist Oscar Ichazo in the 1950s.

© Getty Images

Drawing a parallel -

Ichazo drew parallels between the Enneagram and Pythagorean mathematics, writing extensively about its application. It was introduced in the US in the 1970s by two American psychiatrists, Claudio Naranjo and John Lilly.

© Shutterstock

A tool for understanding personality -

Today, the Enneagram is used as a tool to better understand personality by psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health professionals, and businesses.

Sources: (WebMD) (Verywell Mind) (Forbes)

See also: What is the dark triad of personality traits

© Shutterstock