The Enneagram Rheti
Before he left to Colombia, Lance and I were talking in the kitchen after I had cleaned the Sequoia. During our conversation he mentioned a psychology test he took, which was $12, that was based on 9 different personality types. He said it was interesting to see the results and he felt his were accurate. Lance then began telling me he started thinking of different people in his life and what their personality types were. He guessed mine to be a Type 4, whatever that was at the time. The test is the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI). According to the Enneagram Institute, the RHETI is scientifically validated and the world’s most popular Enneagram-based test. It is composed of 144 paired statements that will produce one of 9 personality types. They provide strengths and weaknesses within your personality type along with a description of over 2,500 words for your top three scores.
Interested, I took the RHETI myself. My results were Type 2-The Helper, Type 4-The Individualist, and Type 1-The Reformer, respectively. The Enneagram Institute has a page directed to help you interpret your results. They claim for most people, it is clear what their basic type is because the highest score would be 3-4 points higher than the others. I had 21-19-19. They say if you are still unsure, one of the 3 highest scores is most likely your basic type. Further steps to help identify true personality types include considering family culture and looking at the wings related to each score among more advanced interpretation issues which they provide various sources of references. I have provided my results below as well as explanations for highlights that I would deem to fit my character. Check it out below.
Type 2: The Helper
This was my highest score tallying up to 21. With the things I highlighted, none are especially related to me. I feel these things are generalizations that can be said about everyone. Everyone desires to be loved. Everyone desires to connect with others in a heartfelt way. Everyone does nice things so others will think well of them, to an extent. Who doesn’t want to have a unique place in others’ lives and know privileged information nobody else knows?
More than what I can relate to, it’s also what I cannot relate to. The description for Type 2 includes expecting people to not want them around, being a people pleaser, and putting others ahead of yourself. This couldn’t be further from the truth for me.
Type 4: The Individualist
This is what Lance told me I was, and after reading the description, a lot of it fits me. I am emotional in the aspect of feeling things to myself, although I may not be open in expressing them. I am supremely aware of how I feel at all times. What gets me about the description, is there are many things that scream out Ratha further than generalizations. I am, of course, involved in artistic pursuits. I care about beauty and taste. I believe what we like sometimes says more about us than the value of what we like itself. I dress out of personal taste rather than outside influences, ie trends. I pride myself on being different, and that sometimes comes with the feeling of loneliness. I enjoy seeing myself as different, and get frustrated when I see others copy. My room is decorated with toys, plushes, and things of meaning to me.
Under The Hidden Side section, there is a mention of what Type 4’s feel they could be and how that is harmful to them in their present life. This is pinpoint accurate. I’m caught up fantasizing in who I could be and the possibility of things very often, if not who I could be, it’s who I thought I was involving life from the past. The relationship issues are spot-on as well. I have high standards for my potential partners and they often disappoint because they aren’t who I make them out to be. This isn’t their fault, it’s an obvious flaw to my character. I do have a bad habit of withdrawing attention and affection subconsciously, too. There are other things listed under Type 4 that fit me including having a habit of comparing myself to others and the feeling that I’m missing out on something others seem to have.
Type 1: The Reformer
A lot of what I highlighted under Type 1 is in the same fashion I highlighted things under Type 2 in that they are generalizations about my character. Some things I feel are specific to me though. Things such as having deep convictions about right or wrong, and having a habit of upholding others to a high standard based off of morals and values. May I add, I do feel obligated to do work I believe others will not do or will not do as well. Being consistent with my ideals is very important to me, as it solidifies who I am not only to myself, but to the world of those around me as well.
In Conclusion
After further interpretation, I would say I am a Type 4. When I was reading through the description, I felt that fit me to a T. More than generalizations, there were traits that could only be said about Type 4 that related to me. I believe this will help me be healthier mentally and emotionally. The tips given for Type 4’s to improve seem productive to my life. Tips such as avoid putting things off until I’m in the “right mood.” With my artistic ventures, I have somehow convinced myself to only pursue them when things feel right. If I’m not feeling it emotionally, I won’t pursue it. Self-discipline is something I have trouble with. I am not disciplined at all. I have issues getting my sleep schedule right and prioritizing things that need to be done. I have an addictive personality, therefore vices get in the way of productivity. Overall, this test has been extremely helpful, interesting, and eye-opening. I hope to be able to learn more about myself and grow into who I fantasize I could be.
Have you ever taken RHETI test? If so, what results did you get? How accurate do you feel they were? Leave a comment below!