How does the Enneagram compare with the personality structures proposed in American psychology?
The Enneagram is compatible with the personality structures described in traditional psychology with some significant differences. First, traditional psychology tends to pathologize personality, whereas the Enneagram is far more descriptive. The Enneagram implies no judgment and is value-neutral. It also implies movement and nuance. By including the idea of “wings” (the point on either side of your core point), stress and secure points (the points you move to in stress and security), and subtypes (emphasizing our primary concern is self-preservation, connection or belonging), the Enneagram seems to be a more inclusive, dynamic tool for understanding.
