Mixed Deck — All Enneagram Test Topics Flashcards

What can people recognize by using Enneagram?

Answer: Their motivations and behavior patterns

By using the Enneagram, individuals can recognize the fundamental motivations that drive their actions and the predictable patterns of behavior that emerge from these motivations. This insight helps them understand why they react in certain ways and how to make more conscious choices.

The Assertive Hornevian types (3, 7, 8) are characterized by:

Answer: Moving against others by asserting their own agenda and taking charge

Assertive types move against others in the sense that they assert their own agenda, needs, and will — they do not easily yield to others' expectations.

In security and growth, Type 1 takes on positive qualities of which type?

Answer: Type 7

Type 1s in security move to Type 7, becoming more spontaneous, joyful, and open to new experiences rather than rigid and critical.

In integration, Type 8 moves toward the positive qualities of which type?

Answer: Type 2

In integration, Type 8 moves toward the healthy qualities of Type 2, becoming more open-hearted, nurturing, and willing to acknowledge vulnerability in relationships.

Which type in the Enneagram is known for being principled, purposeful, self-controlled, and perfectionistic?

Answer: Type One - The Reformer

Type Ones, also known as The Reformers or Perfectionists, are principled and purposeful individuals who strive for integrity and correctness. They are often self-controlled, rational, and have a strong desire to improve things, driven by a fear of being corrupt or flawed. Their inner critic constantly pushes them towards what they perceive as right and good.

The Compliant Hornevian types (1, 2, 6) cope by:

Answer: Moving toward others through compliance with inner standards or the expectations of others

Compliant types move toward others and internalize or comply with standards — Ones comply with an inner principle, Twos comply with others' needs, and Sixes comply with authorities or rules.

The Body Center is sometimes called which triad due to its focus on instinctual response?

Answer: Instinctive Triad

The Body/Gut Center is often called the Instinctive Triad because types 8, 9, and 1 rely on gut reactions and physical instincts as their primary mode of knowing.

How many types of Enneagrams are there?

Answer: 9

The Enneagram system describes nine distinct personality types, each represented by a number from One to Nine. These types are interconnected and form a complex model for understanding human motivation, fears, and behaviors. The system's core is built around these nine fundamental patterns, offering a comprehensive framework for self-discovery.

A Type 2 with a 1 wing (2w1) is sometimes called:

Answer: The Servant

2w1 is often nicknamed 'The Servant' because the 1 wing adds principle and duty to the Two's helping nature, creating a more idealistic, service-oriented helper.

How does Type 9, the center type of the Body triad, typically relate to anger?

Answer: Goes to sleep to anger by numbing out and merging with others

Type 9 is the center type of the Body triad and is most disconnected from anger, tending to suppress it and 'fall asleep' to their own needs and drives.

Which Enneagram theorist is particularly associated with the Hornevian groups (Assertive, Compliant, Withdrawn)?

Answer: Karen Horney (adapted by Riso/Hudson)

The Hornevian groupings were adapted from the psychoanalytic work of Karen Horney, who identified three social movements — toward, against, and away from others — and applied to Enneagram types by Riso and Hudson.

The Enneagram virtue for Type 6 is:

Answer: Courage

Courage is the virtue of Type 6 — the capacity to act faithfully and with commitment despite fear, rather than being paralyzed by doubt or seeking constant reassurance.

What are the three main bands that the nine Levels of Development are grouped into?

Answer: Healthy, Average, Unhealthy

The nine levels are grouped into Healthy (1–3), Average (4–6), and Unhealthy (7–9), reflecting the degree to which the core passion and fixation control a person's behavior.

Who developed the concept of Levels of Development within the Enneagram system?

Answer: Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson

Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson developed the Levels of Development framework, which divides each Enneagram type into nine levels ranging from very healthy to very unhealthy.

What is the 'passion' (core emotional drive) of Type 7?

Answer: Gluttony (excess/over-planning)

Gluttony is the passion of Type 7 — not just about food, but about an insatiable appetite for experiences, options, and stimulation as a way to avoid pain and maintain excitement.

What is the 'Object Relations' triad grouping in the Enneagram?

Answer: A grouping based on how types relate to their primary attachment figures in childhood

The Object Relations triads describe how types developed their personality structures in relation to their early attachment figures — either frustrated (4, 7, 1), rejected (2, 5, 8), or ambivalent (3, 6, 9).

What is NOT one of the purposes of the Enneagram of Personality?

Answer: Diagnosing mental illnesses

The Enneagram of Personality is a framework for self-understanding and personal development, not a clinical diagnostic tool. Its purpose is to promote self-awareness and improve relationships, not to identify or diagnose mental health conditions.

Type 6 in the Enneagram is called 'The Loyalist.' What is their core fear?

Answer: Being without support or guidance

Type 6's deepest fear is being without support, security, or guidance, which drives their loyalty and anxiety.

What is the passion of Type 4?

Answer: Envy

Envy is the passion of Type 4 — a painful sense that others have something essential that the Four lacks, fueling longing, comparison, and a sense of deficiency.

What triggers movement down the Levels of Development (toward less healthy functioning)?

Answer: Increased stress, fear, or perceived threat that activates the core passion and fixation

Movement to less healthy levels is typically triggered by stress or perceived threat, which activates the type's core passion more intensely, leading to more defensive and reactive behavior.