Enneagram vs. Myers-Briggs

What is Myers-Briggs?

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality typology commonly used in workplace settings that categorizes individuals into 16 types based on four dichotomies. Despite its popularity, MBTI has also faced criticism for a lack of scientific validity and reliability.

• E/I - How you manage your energy
  (E)xtraversion = outward <> (I)ntroversion = inward

• S/N - How you take in information
  (S)ensing = literally <> I(N)tuition = abstractly

• F/T - How you make decisions
  (F)eeling = by feel <> (T)hinking = by thought

• J/P - How you structure your life
  (J)udging = organized <> (P)erceiving = flexibly

Enneagram vs. Myers-Briggs Research

At least seven studies have looked at the relationship between the Enneagram and MBTI, as summarized by a systematic review by Hook et al. (2021). Note, however, that XX of the seven studies were never published — gathered instead from doctoral dissertations, and presentations. A list of these studies can be found at the bottom of this page.

Research Findings

The review by Hook et al. (2021) compared results from all seven studies to derive the consensus findings for each Type. In general, the reliable patterns did appear to emerge for all nine Enneagram Types.

Type 1

4 of 7 studies found a significant correlation with Introversion, suggesting that Ones are more likely to direct their energy inward.

5 of 7 studies found a significant correlation with Judging, suggesting that Ones are more likely to approach the world in a structured way.

Type 2

5 of 7 studies found a significant correlation with Feeling, suggesting that Twos are more likely to make feelings-based decisions.

Type 3

5 of 7 studies found a significant correlation with Extraversion, suggesting that Threes are more likely to direct their energy inward.

Type 4

5 of 7 studies found a significant correlation with Intuiting, suggesting that Fours are more likely to focus on abstract information.

6 of 7 studies found a significant correlation with Feeling, suggesting that Fours are more likely to make feelings-based decisions.

4 of 7 studies found a significant correlation with Perceiving, suggesting that Fours are more likely to approach the world in a flexible way.

Type 5

6 of 7 studies found a significant correlation with Introversion, suggesting that Fives are more likely to direct their energy inward.

7 of 7 studies found a significant correlation with Thinking, suggesting that Fives are more likely to make thought-based decisions.

Type 6

4 of 7 studies found a significant correlation with Introversion, suggesting that Sixes are more likely to direct their energy inward.

Type 7

6 of 7 studies found a significant correlation with Extraversion, suggesting that Sevens are more likely to direct their energy outward.

5 of 7 studies found a significant correlation with Intuiting, suggesting that Sevens are more likely to focus on abstract information.

4 of 7 studies found a significant correlation with Perceiving, suggesting that Sevens are more likely to approach the world in a flexible way.

Type 8

5 or 7 studies found a significant correlation with Extraversion, suggesting that Eights are more likely to direct their energy outward.

4 or 7 studies found a significant correlation with Thinking, suggesting that Eights are more likely to make thought-based decisions.

Type 9

There were no consensus correlations for Nines, suggesting that none of the MBTI traits are predictable for them.

The Fine Print

It's important to use a critical eye when reviewing research. Authors do their best to protect against biases and assess results objectively, but no study is perfect. Make sure to consider what research is (and isn't) actually telling you before taking it at face value.

Research Question

• The Hook et al. (2021) systematic review explored a lot of Enneagram relationships — Myers-Briggs was just one aspect. Their corresponding research question was essentially, “How do Enneagram Types correlate with MBTI traits?”

Sample

• As previously mentioned, seven studies were found where Enneagram and Myers-Briggs were compared. These were released between 1983-1998, and including published articles, doctoral dissertations, and presentations.

Methodology

• While Hook et al. describe how they conducted their literature review, the methodologies of each of the seven MBTI studies weren't mentioned. Without going back to each original article (essentially replicating the systematic review), we have no information on aspects like which psychometric scales were used, how participants were chosen/assessed, or how the data was analyzed.

Strengths

• Findings of a systematic review are typically more convincing than an one study alone.

• The consensus correlations generally align with Enneagram theory.

Limitations

• None of the studies reviewed were from this century.

• Data from unpublished studies are usually considered with caution. The rigor a study must undergo to be published — including a peer-review process — instills confidence that the study was conducted logically, ethically, and in good faith. As only XX of the studies assessed by Hook et al. were published, the resulting takeaways will naturally earn skepticism.

• Without information on the methodologies of each study, we’re left wondering how comparable the individual results actually were. (e.g. did they use similar data gather methods? were the demographics similar? how large were the sample sizes?)

Source List

Primary article:

• Hook JN, Hall TW, Davis DE, Van Tongeren DR, Conner M. The Enneagram: A systematic review of the literature and directions for future research. J Clin Psychol. 2021;77:865–883. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23097

Nine studies summarized:

• Delobbe, N., Halin, P., Premont, J., & Wuidar, D. (n.d.). Measuring personality at work: Development and validation of a new instrument (HPEI) based on the Enneagram. Louvain School of Management, Belgium. Conference paper

• Flautt, T. (1998). MBTI‐Enneagram type correlation study results. Bulletin of Psychological Type, 21(8), 37–38. Not available

• O'Leary, P. (1994). The Myers‐Briggs and the Enneagram. Presentation at the First International Enneagram Conference, Stanford University, Stanford, CA. Not available

• Palmer, H. (1988). The enneagram: Understanding yourself and others in your life. Harper & Row. Purchase options

• Thrasher, P. (1994). The enneagram: Movement between types, an inventory, and a criterion measure (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Loyola University, Chicago, IL. Preview and purchase options

• Wagner, J. P. (1994). The Myers‐Briggs and the Enneagram. Presentation at the First International Enneagram Conference Stanford University, Stanford, CA. Not available

• Wagner, J. P., & Walker, R. E. (1983). Reliability and validity study of a Sufi personality typology: The enneagram. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 39, 712–717. Full article