There are no direct correlations between MBTI and Enneagram since they measure different parts of our personalities—namely, WHAT we do versus WHY we do it. That being said, some Preference pairings from MBTI could have a higher prevalence in certain Enneagram Types. With this in mind, let's explore Enneagram Type Nine and see how the MBTI Preferences correlate.
Overview of a Type Nine:
Type Nine's are the "peacemakers" of the Enneagram. They are kind, warm, connection-oriented, and desperate to create and maintain peace in their inner and outer worlds. They are the center Type of the Gut Triad which means that they focus a lot of energy on the justice (and injustice) of this world and dealing with (or avoiding) feelings of anger at the failings of their environment in creating justice and peace. Nines certainly do not appear angry (in fact, they do everything they can to avoid outward expression of anger as this could lead to disconnection), but they can seethe under a surface that appears completely calm and amiable. They keep this amiable exterior to avoid their core fear of disconnection and conflict and out of a belief that somehow they matter less than everyone else. With this merging and avoiding, Nines eventually lose touch with who they really are and what they really want in the name of harmony with others.
Possible MBTI Correlations:
Each Preference Pair describes the median range Preference of the Pair and does not address the nuance of each individual. May people who actually prefer one side will be able to competently use skills presented by the other side. The descriptions below are done in broad strokes and are at not meant to pigeon hole people into ways of thinking or behaving.
Extroversion/Introversion Preference:
Extroversion/Introversion describes a person's Preference for directing and receiving energy, which can sometimes be explained as that of a balloon either inflating with interaction with the outside/inside world or deflating. Extroverted Preference people’s bubble inflates with contact with the outside world—people, experiences, places, stimulation—and deflates with too much time with their inside world—reflecting, time alone, journaling, thinking—and those with an Introverted Preference deflate with contact with the outside world and inflate with time reflecting on the inside world.
Applying to Type Nine:
Type Nines would likely prefer Introversion
Type Nines are likely to prefer Introversion in the MBTI framework because they are staunch members of the Withdrawn Triad in the Enneagram. The Withdrawn Triad (made up of Types Four, Five, and Nine) pull away from others and expectations and retreat into an inner world where they are able to create the ideal environment for their particular ego structure. Type Nines employ this particular strategy to create an inner world of total peace. In fact, the more chaotic and disruptive their external world becomes, the MORE they retreat into themselves to find the stimulation and soothing they need. Using that main definition for Extroversion/Introversion as where we draw our energy, Nines would be classic Introverts as they find the stimulation they need from their inner world. This is not to say that Nines cannot be gregarious or find external stimulation necessary, but that they find the most energizing stimulation internally versus externally.
Sensing/Intuition Preference:
This Preference Pair explains how people prefer taking in information from the outside world. The Sensing Preference types will take in information from their five senses and experience the world as very tangible, tactile, and concrete, and will focus on what is presently possible or possible in the past. Those with an Intuition Preference, on the other hand, will take in information as abstract, ethereal, imaginative, and inferred, and will focus on what is new and possible in the future.
Applying this to Type Nine:
Type Nines could easily swing either way with Sensing and Intuition because how they process information does not define the Ego structure for the Nine. Whichever method they prefer for processing information, Nines will use what they have gleaned to create harmony around them and greater connection with the people that they value most--either with tangible, concrete methods of observation or assistance or with associative, imaginative idea creation.
Thinking/Feeling Preference
This Preference Pair explains how people make decisions- do they make their decisions based on logic, numbers, objective criteria (Thinking Preference) or do they make decisions considering their values, collective harmony, and empathy for others (Feeling).
Applying to Type Nine:
Type Nines are probably just shy of 100% likelihood of preferring Feeling over Thinking in the MBTI Framework (I say just shy of because I'm sure there is one example out there...). Type Nines value connection with others so deeply, that they cannot help but empathize and consider the implications of decision-making on those around them. In fact, Types Nines do this to such a fault that they are more likely to self-sabotage or accidentally sabotage the overarching scope of the situation in order to serve the feelings and preferences of others. Empathizing and complying as part of their decision-making makes up a fundamental quality of Type Nines because it allows them to maintain connection and avoid conflict at all costs.
Judging/Perceiving Preference
This Preference Pair explains how people interact with the outside world. Those with a Judging Preference prefer closure, step by step progress, planning, organization, and control. Those with Perceiving Preference like options, adaptability, flexibility, spontaneity, and openness to new information.
Applying to Type Nine:
Type Nines could easily prefer Judging or Perceiving Preferences equally, but they may have a tendency to test as Perceiving for the "go with the flow" or adaptability facet that is part of this Preference. There are many Nines who prefer step by step, linear progress through projects, closure, and planning, which are all part of the Judging Preference. However, since Nines are constantly trying to maintain peace and harmony in their environments as a means of maintaining connection they are more likely to "go with the flow" and adapt to what others want even if it goes again their Judging Preference. Many Nines may work diligently on projects using those great Judging Preference skills only to acquiesce to last minute changes for the sake of merging with the wishes of others. This does not go without frustration, of course, but it helps the Nine keep their easy-going reputation and avoids conflict. For this reason, even those Nines who Prefer Judging could potentially test as Perceiving.
Possible MBTI Preference Types for Enneagram Type Nines
INFJ
Seek meaning and connection in ideas, relationships, and material possessions. Want to understand what motivates people and are insightful about others. Conscientious and committed to their firm values. Develop a clear vision about how best to serve the common good. Organized and decisive in implementing their vision.
ISFJ
Quiet, friendly, responsible, and conscientious. Committed and steady in meeting their obligations. Thorough, painstaking, and accurate. Loyal, considerate, notice and remember specifics about people who are important to them, concerned with how others feel. Strive to create an orderly and harmonious environment at work and at home.
ISFP
Quiet, friendly, sensitive, and kind. Enjoy the present moment, what's going on around them. Like to have their own space and to work within their own time frame. Loyal and committed to their values and to people who are important to them. Dislike disagreements and conflicts; don't force their opinions or values on others.
INFP
Idealistic, loyal to their values and to people who are important to them. Want to live a life that is congruent with their values. Curious, quick to see possibilities, can be catalysts for implementing ideas. Seek to understand people and to help them fulfill their potential. Adaptable, flexible, and accepting unless a value is threatened.
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