Enneagram?

[PhoenixofVindemiatrix]

Yes, I know it is a flawed system, but I think it helps explain some of the differences between INTPs. For instance, I would be a 5w4 sx/sp. Thoughts?

 

[ElvenVeil]

I just tried the first Enneagram test I found, and the result didn't match that one you had.. So perhaps you would add a link to the test you are refering to ?

Edit: no wait perhaps it did match? .. Need to read my results more carefully

 

[PhoenixofVindemiatrix]

Hmm, I wasn't referring to any particular test. The best way to find your "type" is to read up on it and see what describes you the best, but if you want a test, here you go: http://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test-2.php

 

[ElvenVeil]

right.. from the quick glance at this Enneagram, I appear to be a type 5
.. Though the type 9 was rather close as well.

Type 5 , sp/sx

I doubt however that this system will tell you anything about the differences between the INTPs.. Being a type in MBTI is already pretty specific, and if you wish to be more specific than that , then I would say that you need a system based on the INTP type, and not a scatter shot list, like this appears to be.

 

[PhoenixofVindemiatrix]

I disagree. The MBTI is only a model as well, and as such should not have superiority over the Enneagram, but rather work in synergy with it. For instance, surely INTP 9s are different from INTP 5s...

 

[Roran]

I am either a 5w4sp or a 5w6sp.......

 

[lord methous]

i think i may be seeing a recurring pattern here. 5w4sp

 

[Roran]

Yeah.....SP=introverted 5 intellectual, 4 "Special"

 

[PhoenixofVindemiatrix]

I wonder if most people on this forum are sp's.

 

[GYX_Kid]

5w4 SX here, apparently

...in second place was Type 7 SP (but almost halfway behind)

 

[Cheeseumpuffs]

5w6 SP.

 

[Artsu Tharaz]

INFJ, Type 9

 

[Cerul]

You are most likely a type 9 (the Peacemaker) with 1 wing
Sexual variant

Type 9 SX
Type 5 SO
Type 4 SP
Type 6 SP
Type 1 SP
Type 7 SO
Type 2 SO
Type 3 SP
Type 8 SX

 

[Jordan~]

In like half of these questions I'm a few of the adjectives listed in each option or entirely both or none. Outgoing and sociable or earnest and self-disciplined? I guess I'm sociable, but I'm definitely not outgoing, maybe I'm a little earnest and I have absolutely no self-discipline.

So that test gave me Type 7. Nope. No chance. Sounds exactly like someone who isn't me.

Next test, some more bogus questions. "To deal with the fear I always have, I'm as nice and warm as possible towards everyone." How do you answer that? Yes, I try to be nice and warm to people, but I'm afraid, like, once a year. "I accumulate lots of knowledge to counteract my lack of self-confidence." Sorry, is this a test or an essay about a theory of psychological development?

This one gave me roughly equal results for 4w5, 2w1 and 9w1.

The test linked by PhoenixofVedemiatrix gave me 9w1 sx. So let's call it that, it sounds like a reasonable fit anyway.

It's actually not a bad fit. Stress responses are about right, especially when the 1 wing's are taken into account. Not bad. I always thought Enneagram was a bit rubbish, maybe I was a little too quick to judge it.

The more I read about this type the better it seems to fit. Even if it is a little bit of a punch in the gut. Who are you to say my coping strategies aren't good for me, Enneagram Institute!? Maybe I like listening to uplifting music and achieving inner peace through a cigarette in my back garden before crying because everything is beautiful rather than actually dealing with any of my problems, did you ever think of that? And why does everyone keep telling me to get more exercise? Choke on your damned endorphines and leave me in my chair! And stop trying to make me eat!

Though why does the Enneagram make everyone's life basically sound like hell? Or at least like they're in a play. Going through the relationship compatibility pages, I smile through the positive bit and then by the end of the negative bit I feel like I've just seen a stage production of Medea.

I think you can tell that Myers and Briggs were an INFP and INFJ respectively. MBTI is all about how everyone is a special snowflake and everyone is a beautiful flower. Enneagram seems more like it was written by a Thinker, where I'm very sorry but your life is likely to be horrible unless you stop sitting around.

 

[pjoa09]

SP Type 5 Balanced.

@Jordan~ Yeah it's safer to criticize than to praise. What if they said you are fucking awesome in every description? It's validity will crumble.

Now, in my case, saying that I am recluse because I don't think I can cope with the world sounds more valid that the statement below:

I am too intelligent to exist around morons therefore, I am an arrogant recluse.

 

[sammael]

I think it helps explain some of the differences between INTPs.

How..? Why..?

 

[Jordan~]

SP Type 5 Balanced.

@Jordan~ Yeah it's safer to criticize than to praise. What if they said you are fucking awesome in every description? It's validity will crumble.

What if I am fucking awesome in every description?!

(I'm totally not D: )

I accumulate knowledge because I'm interested in stuff. I'm constantly sarcastic to counteract my lack of self-confidence, but that wasnt an option. And maybe I'm nice to people because of the crippling, self-loathing guilt I'll feel if I'm not. I don't need the... astrology website to lean back and say, "You're problem is kviiiiiiite clear!" And then if it's part of the test, how do you answer? Yes, that does describe me, but that isn't why. My answer to this question is in equal parts positive and negative.

But anyway, taking enough tests I found an okay match. Though it still says I'm competent. Bullshit! I've never been competent in my life.

 

[PhoenixofVindemiatrix]

But anyway, taking enough tests I found an okay match. Though it still says I'm competent. Bullshit! I've never been competent in my life.

Obviously they try to make everyone feel good about themselves, or no one would research into the Enneagram further. You do, however, seem competent in your forum posts.

I never said that the Ennegram wasn't mostly BS. But I think it might still have some redeeming value.

How..? Why..?

I think the biggest difference is expressed through instinctual variants. Sp's are the most reclusive, so's the most "intellectually pretentious", and sx's the most intense. On average, of course. I think the reasons individuals possess these qualities vary as well.

 

[Jordan~]

Obviously they try to make everyone feel good about themselves, or no one would research into the Enneagram further. You do, however, seem competent in your forum posts.

I do? How?

I never said that the Ennegram wasn't mostly BS. But I think it might still have some redeeming value.

I wouldn't even say it was mostly BS. Maybe a little rough around the edges, but the more I look into it the more it seems to account for little problems. 9 isn't a terribly good fit for an INFP, but 9w1 gets a little closer, 9w1 sx a little closer again, etc.

I think my biggest complaint would be that the base types (1-9) all have features that the wings can negate, and it doesn't explain what you take from a wing. I would be 9w1 but without any of the organisational ability of a 1, whereas everything in the INFP description fits me. Enneagram descriptions are a bit more complete, but some of the content doesn't fit the rest.

 

[PhoenixofVindemiatrix]

I do? How?

You seem rather knowledgeable and good at formulating and deconstructing arguments. Is self-doubt an INFP characteristic?

I think my biggest complaint would be that the base types (1-9) all have features that the wings can negate, and it doesn't explain what you take from a wing. I would be 9w1 but without any of the organisational ability of a 1, whereas everything in the INFP description fits me. Enneagram descriptions are a bit more complete, but some of the content doesn't fit the rest.

Yes, I agree with what you are saying. I think enneagram descriptions work better for some, and MBTI for others.

For instance, I think this might describe me better than the MBTI:

"5w4 sx/sp 'In their Own World' contributed by jase There's something oddly captivating about this Five, apt to wander through various conceptual worlds, as conceived in the minds of others, or of their own creation. They can appear perpetually sullen and immersed in emotional thought, giving the impression there's much more going on beneath the surface. This type of Five can easily be mistaken for a Four, though their range of expression is constricted. Curious about others though usually from afar, it's as if they're reserving themselves for the one element or person that would truly understand them. Despite intensity of desire, the sx instinct has difficulty asserting against the fearful inhibitions of the Five, along with the restrictive self pres close to the surface. They usually wait to be approached, but others should find them intriguing enough to initiate contact."

This is from http://personalitycafe.com/enneagram-personality-theory-forum/6634-instinctual-variants.html, which has descriptions of many other types as well.

You have to figure out your "instinctual stacking" first though, which is the prevalence of each variant. There are lots of threads about that on other forums if you are confused.

 

[Jordan~]

You seem rather knowledgeable and good at formulating and deconstructing arguments. Is self-doubt an INFP characteristic?

It is. So is taking your skills for granted. I take that skill for granted. :P Sure, I've got intellectual competence pouring out my ears, but 0 practical competence.

I think that 5w4 sx/sp description covers some of the same ground as the MBTI INTP description, but goes into a bit more detail. When the detail fits you, it's better than Myers-Briggs and when it doesn't, Myers-Briggs is better, I guess.

The 9w1 sx/sp description there is great, except for one thing: " a penchant for external order as a means to gain internal order". That's the major conflict between me and the 9w1: I have a real aversion to organisation and structure, and I don't even slightly tend towards it or have any natural talent for it (see the certainty of the N and P results in my signature...). There's also a little conflict around not knowing how to express things: I generally know how quite well - being able to express myself creatively in words is a talent I do value - I just don't want to lest I hurt anyone. Plus, both 9 and 1 have a tendency to blame others where one of the INFP's defining characteristics is self-blame. We feel like we're always at fault when something goes wrong, not because we made it go wrong but because we didn't do enough to prevent it. When a friend's dad told me his dad had died, I blurted out that I felt responsible without thinking.

 

[PhoenixofVindemiatrix]

The 9w1 sx/sp description there is great, except for one thing: " a penchant for external order as a means to gain internal order". That's the major conflict between me and the 9w1: I have a real aversion to organisation and structure, and I don't even slightly tend towards it or have any natural talent for it (see the certainty of the N and P results in my signature...).

Some people don't fit into any one type completely, as types are based on generalizations. So congratulations, you have transcended the Enneagram.

 

[Jordan~]

I might make a thread on their forums and give them a chance to explain how I actually do fit when you take account of blah blah blah.

 

[PhoenixofVindemiatrix]

I might make a thread on their forums and give them a chance to explain how I actually do fit when you take account of blah blah blah.

Haha, good idea

 

[pjoa09]

I always thought Type 4 would be the INFP... Depends how you perceive your competency. You can look down or up the chain or ignore the stuff you suck at with some very nice excuses.

i.e. a dancing game, why do they want me to mimic someone else? promoting primitive behaviors?

 

[Artsu Tharaz]

I think the division into withdrawn/assertive/compliant types, versus the usual introversion/extroversion division is nice. The trichotomy seems more natural than the I/E dichotomy (or I/E, P/J dichotomies combined).

Beyond that I have no idea. I kinda think an enneagram-like trichotomy for temperament, and an N/S/F/T grouping for preference of information is pretty good. (which, btw, is how zodiac divides it with its 12 type system).

 

[Haiduc]

Type 5, balanced wings, SP.

 

[Hypocritical truth teller]

INTP, Type 1 (and type 9 was also the same score as type 1 for me)