Can you be two Enneagram types? (An open discussion)

In this article, we discuss – “Can you be two enneagram types” in detail for our readers. If you are curious to know the possibilities, keep reading further.

To begin with, Enneagram is a theory that offers an explanation for understanding the human personality in terms of nine different types. It explains the different types of personalities with the help of a geometric figure like that of a regular nine-sided polygon. According to this theory a person’s personality can be identified as one of the nine possible combinations that are inclusive of one’s beliefs, values and motivations.

Can you be two enneagram types at once?

No, it is not possible for an individual to be two enneagram types at once. The theory of enneagram describes personality as a dynamic phenomenon which does not stereotypically categorise individuals under their types. It is possible to have traits that may be characteristic to other personality types primarily from the type one moves towards in integration, disintegration or wings, but in practice, there is always one dominating personality type that each individual most closely resonates to. We look at how this works in further details below.

If you are wondering what enneagram type you are then you can take an enneagram test for free.

What is the Enneagram?

The word enneagram comes from the Greek word “Ennea” which means nine and “Gramma” which means something that is written or drawn. Enneagram consequently literally means nine different types of illustrations. According to this theory a person’s personality can be identified as one of the nine possible combinations that are inclusive of one’s beliefs, values and motivations.

The formal definition of Enneagram is as follows:

“A system of classifying personality types that is based on a nine-pointed starlike figure inscribed within a circle in which each of the nine points represent a personality type and its psychological motivations influencing a person’s emotions, attitudes, and behaviours.

How does the enneagram work?

The Enneagram types are best explained by the nine-pointed geometric symbol. The circle points to a holistic view of life and the shapes within indicate how it is fragmented internally. The nine points are symbolic of the nine types which are to be followed in a clockwise direction. Each point is connected to two other points in order to complete a triangle – 3 in total. The three points are understood as:

  • The Dominant characteristic –
    This the predominant type that is characteristic of the specific roles
  • The Stress/Disintegration characteristic –
    This is the subtype that influences the individual in times of crisis
  • The Security/Integration characteristic –
    This is the subtype that influences the individual in times of abundance

So essentially, each individual will have a dominant characteristic type that will determine the associated types when one is under stress or is thriving.

Enneagram typeDisintegration typeIntegration typePossible wing types
1479 &/or 2
2841 &/or 3
3962 &/or 4
4213 &/or 5
5784 &/or 6
6395 &/or 7
7156 &/or 8
8527 &/or 9
9638 &/or 1

Additionally, there exist wings. The types on either side of the dominating personality type, is known as the wing. They are like complementary characteristics that add to one’s overall personality. The wings are considered as the “Second-side” of one’s personality as there is a high possibility of presence of such characteristics in varied proportions. As a matter of fact, it is also possible to have one dominant wing or both wings in equity.

How to understand your enneagram type?

Any enneagram test, will never outrightly give a result to the subject in terms of the exact number of the personality type. The results are given in order to most to least resemblance which in itself tells what characteristics one’s personality aligns best with.

Therefore, it is not possible for one to have two different enneagram types at once. However, as mentioned previously, there is a possibility of having traits that may be characteristic to other types.

Consequently, if you feel that you resonate with two different personality types, the possible explanations for that would be –

The second type is your dominating wing (the one that is on the right or left of your dominant type)

  • You may be under stress –

The second type is where you move towards under stressful life situations (as depending upon your dominant type)

  • You may be flourishing –

The second type is where you move towards under developmental life situations (as depending upon your dominant type)

  • You may be biased –

You may be mis-judging yourself due to some cognitive biases. One of them could be the confirmation bias (that makes individuals acknowledge and interpret information in a manner that confirms one’s prior beliefs)

Conclusion 

In this article, we answered the question – “Can an individual have two enneagram types?” for you. It is not possible to be two types of personalities at once, however, it is possible to have overlapping traits and qualities.

The only possible reasons why you may feel that you have two personalities can be explained by the relationship between the stress and growth responses plus the wings based on your dominant personality type. The dominant type is unchanged and always remains constant. However, it is to be noted that all these factors can have varying levels of influence which is making you deliberate about the question of having two types of enneagram.

FAQ’s 

How many enneagram types can you be?

The enneagram proposes nine different types of personalities that an individual can possibly become. However, it is not possible to be two types at once. But it is possible to have traits that are characteristic to other types owing to varying levels of influence on associated personality types and personal experiences.

Which enneagram type is most likely to cheat?

The enneagram type alone does not determine how an individual would react to in certain situations. It only proposes a possibility because there are numerous other factors such as values, beliefs, personal experiences, culture, norms, etc that influence an individual’s decision making. That being said, 3s, 7s and 8s are most likely to have issues with infidelity but that does not mean that will cheat in any kind of relationship.

Which enneagram type is the smartest?

Type 5’s are probably the smartest of all on the enneagram list owing to the unique emotional mental capabilities. They fall under the thinking category which naturally makes them problem solvers. They are always intrigued to know more about the things around them and do it in a very subtle manner. They do not show off and understand that their knowledge is their treasure. They are also fairly secretive and like to not engage in small talk much.

What does a 2 on the enneagram mean?

The enneagram type 2 also known as “The Helper” or “The Giver”, falls under the feeling centre in the personality spectrum. These individuals are warm, compassionate, generous and sensitive to the needs of other people in general. They have a unique ability of feeling and experiencing emotions deeply which can be a boon or bane depending on the situation.

Which is the rarest Enneagram type?

Enneagram 8s are the rarest of all enneagram types. 8s are challengers and are said to have born leadership qualities. They enjoy challenging themselves and have enormous willpower and vitality. Some of the famous 8 personalities include Donald Trump, Pablo Picasso, & Indira Gandhi.

What enneagram types go best together?

In terms of compatibility, according to a study done with 457 couples, the following are the most commonly found pairings –

TypeFemale Compatibility with MaleMale Compatibility with female
192
284
319
492
511
69 or 82
75 or 11
892
964

References 

https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/how-the-enneagram-system-works

https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/interpreting-your-enneagram-test-results

https://www.personalitycafe.com/threads/can-i-be-two-enneagram-types.9595/

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