If you’ve found this blog post, you probably already know which of the 16 personality types you are. But do you know your Enneagram type? If not, you should definitely check it out – there’s a lot of valuable information to be gleaned from this personality theory.
But even if you’re already familiar with the Enneagram, did you know that there’s a correlation between the 16 personality types and Enneagram?
While the 16 personalities model is more focused on how we interact with the world around us, the Enneagram framework delves deeper into our underlying motivations and basic fears.
So when you combine your 16 personalities type and your Enneagram type, you can get some even deeper insights into why you make decisions the way that you do or why you behave in certain ways.
Today, we’re going to take a look at how INTPs relate to each of the nine Enneagram types. Keep reading for insights and tips on how to better understand yourself and others.
Which Enneagram types are most common among INTPs?
According to a study conducted by Thought Catalog, the most common Enneagram type among INTPs is Enneagram 5. This isn’t too surprising. Enneagram 5s are curious, analytical, and always seeking out new knowledge. They are also private, and they like to keep to themselves. These are the kind of INTPs who are always exploring new ideas and get lost deep in thought.
The second most common Enneagram type for INTPs is Enneagram 9. Again, this isn’t a huge surprise. Enneagram 9s are known for their easy-going, laid-back attitude. Plus, they’re peace-loving individuals who strive for harmony. These are the kind of INTPs who don’t get too stressed about things and take a relaxed attitude to life.
Anyway, let’s save some thoughts for later on in the post.
How each Enneagram type manifests in INTPs
Let’s now take a look at how INTPs differ depending on their Enneagram type.
INTP Enneagram 1
INTPs who identify as Enneagram 1 tend to be more of a perfectionist than your typical INTP. They’re logical and level-headed, but they also have a strong sense of right and wrong. In addition, they are more likely to think through decisions carefully.
INTP Enneagram 1s are the type of people who are always striving for the best. They have a deep desire to be seen as ‘good’ people, and they tend to be more conscientious than your typical INTP. In addition, they generally have more self-control.
People of this type are exceptionally talented at picking up on inconsistencies and often have the desire to point them out or fix them, particularly when it comes to data and theories. However, INTP Enneagram 1s are quite hard on themselves and can often benefit from learning to go with the flow a bit more.
INTP Enneagram 2
This is a very rare Enneagram type for an INTP. INTPs who identify as Enneagram 2 are more people-oriented and have a softer edge than your typical INTP. While most INTPs enjoy spending time alone pursuing their interests, they can be quite critical.
INTP Enneagram 2s have a more caring side. They’re always looking out for their loved ones and are quick to lend a helping hand. While they might not be nurturing in a warm, stereotypical sense, they are highly intuitive, and they use these skills to pick up on other people’s needs. This comes from a place of genuinely wanting to help people.
Some INTPs struggle to follow through on their word because they can get caught up in the moment and make plans that they don’t end up sticking to. This doesn’t tend to be the case with INTP Enneagram 2s, though, because they want to be someone who can be counted on. However, INTP Enneagram 2s can sometimes try to manipulate others into doing what they want.
INTP Enneagram 3
INTPs who identify as Enneagram 3 are more driven and ambitious than your typical INTP. They’re always striving to be the best, and they’re more competitive. INTP Enneagram 3s tend to be more comfortable in social situations. They’re the kind of people who can be very convincing when they want to be. This is another rare Enneagram type for an INTP.
INTP Enneagram 3s are quick thinkers, and they’re always looking for ways to improve. They’re never satisfied with mediocrity, and they push themselves to their limits. At. At times, they can be quite ruthless. They are more comfortable in leadership roles and are often highly resourceful. They can find it hard to sit still, which is why they always like to be doing things.
In general, INTPs are good at reading between the lines. They use this ability to pick up on social dynamics, and they can be very persuasive. In addition, they are highly aware of people’s perceptions of them. This means that they can be quite image-conscious and concerned about what others think of them.
INTP Enneagram 4
INTP Enneagram 4s are more introspective and sensitive than your typical INTP. They’re more self-aware and in touch with their emotions, which isn’t something that comes naturally to most INTPs. Even INTP Enneagram 4s can struggle with this to some extent.
Most INTPs are happy being alone, and they don’t tend to overthink whether the world ‘gets’ them. However, INTP Enneagram 4s can feel misunderstood, and they sometimes live with a sense of being ‘different’. They have a deep desire for self-expression and might find themselves drawn to the arts. This ties in with the fact that they are often more artistic than your typical INTP.
They also tend to be slightly more individualistic, often through their fashion sense, which isn’t seen in many INTP Enneagram types. People of this type often have a better understanding of human nature and other people’s emotions than your typical INTP. However, their heightened awareness of their own emotions, mixed with the fact that they can struggle to fully understand them, can make them susceptible to depression and anxiety.
INTP Enneagram 5
This is the most common Enneagram type for INTPs. INTP Enneagram 5s are your typical cerebral, curious INTPs. They’re highly intelligent, and they love to learn new things. In addition, they like to take time to understand things before making a decision. This is something that you see in all INTPs, but it’s even more evident in INTP Enneagram 5s.
People of this type are also very independent and self-sufficient. In fact, INTP Enneagram 5s are some of the most independent people out there, and they often find that they feel drained quickly from socializing. They tend to need a lot of alone time to themselves so they can think and process information. INTP Enneagram 5s are often exceptional problem-solvers, and they have the ability to stay calm in a crisis.
While INTP tends to be resourceful and intelligent in a practical sense, INTP Enneagram 5s are also excellent at analyzing information and data. In addition, they’re quick to notice inconsistencies that others might miss. However, they can be arrogant and condescending when they think they are right.
INTP Enneagram 6
INTP Enneagram 6s tend to be more cynical and uncertain than your typical INTP. They don’t have the same go-with-the-flow attitude. While a lot of INTPs aren’t afraid to take a chance, INTP Enneagram 6s are more risk-averse. They are less impulsive and tend to take time to think through decisions.
INTP Enneagram 6s are very loyal and protective of their loved ones. They’re the kind of people who would do anything for their family and friends. People of this type value loyalty above all else. While some INTPs can be a little flighty, INTP Enneagram 6s take pride in sticking to their word. You can count on them to follow through. They place more value on being part of a group, and they have a stronger sense of community.
People of this type like to plan for multiple scenarios because they are more focused on safety and security. Fortunately, they have a natural ability to imagine different ways a situation might play in the future. However, they can need reassurance from others at times. They can also be prone to paranoia and worry. This means that they can be quite pessimistic.
INTP Enneagram 7
INTP Enneagram 7s are more enthusiastic and spontaneous. They’re always looking for new experiences, and they enjoy starting new projects. While a lot of INTPs can find it hard to relax, INTP Enneagram 7s don’t have as much of a problem with this.
People of this type seek out adventure, and they are willing to experiment. In addition, they aren’t afraid to break rules and push boundaries. They take the view that it’s worth taking risks for new experiences. However, their spontaneity can cross over into the territory of being impulsive, which can sometimes get them into trouble.
INTP Enneagram 7s often have a scattered thought process. They’re always thinking about the next thing, and they can find it hard to focus on one task for too long. This can make them seem a little disorganized, and their impulsivity can mean they don’t always stick to plans. It’s not unusual for INTP Enneagram 7s to change tack at a moment’s notice.
INTP Enneagram 8
INTP Enneagram 8s are more ambitious and competitive. They have a more assertive and direct manner. However, they tend to have a quiet confidence rather than an overly aggressive demeanor. People of this type have a tougher edge than some other INTPs.
INTP Enneagram 8s are more comfortable in leadership positions. They tend to appreciate flat hierarchical structures, where everybody can have their say, and they aren’t overly controlling. INTP micromanagers are a rare breed. While most INTPs are resourceful, INTP Enneagram 8s are especially so.
People of this type often have faith in their abilities, and they don’t need a huge amount of external validation. However, their competitive nature can sometimes make them seem arrogant, and they can have a hard time losing. In addition, their impulsivity can lead them to make rash decisions. But INTP Enneagram 8s are also quick-thinkers, and they’re very good at problem-solving on the fly.
INTP Enneagram 9
This is the second most common Enneagram type for INTPs. INTP Enneagram 9s are even more easy-going than your typical INTP. They tend to be agreeable, too, which isn’t a trait that stands out in most INTPs. People of this type are peacemakers who strive to maintain harmony. In addition, they’re usually quite content with letting others take the lead.
INTP Enneagram 9s tend to be patient and willing to compromise. While most INTPs are adaptable, INTP Enneagram 9s tend to be the most adaptable of all the INTP Enneagram types. At the same time as being flexible, INTPs can actually be resistant to change because they can view it as a disruption to harmony.
INTPs are calm and collected in general, and these traits are even more evident in INTP Enneagram 9s. They tend to be better at reading people than your typical INTP, and they use these skills to mediate conflict when necessary. Ultimately, they like to maintain a sense of peace. As a result, they can even be conflict-averse at times, which isn’t usually seen with most other INTP Enneagram types.
Nuances between INTP Enneagram types
So there you have it, the nuances between INTPs of different Enneagram types. While we have focused on the differences in this post, it’s important to remember that you’re still an INTP first and foremost.
This means that you likely value your freedom and are very adaptable. There’s a good chance that you’ll also be calm, intellectual, and spontaneous. However, your exact Enneagram type will play a role in how specific traits are expressed.
Particularly if you’re one of the less common INTP Enneagram types, we hope this post has provided insight into why you might not fit the stereotype of an INTP.
Final thoughts on INTP Enneagram types
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like How ENTP Enneagram Types Differ. Finally, if you liked this post, share it with friends so they can better understand the differences between the INTP Enneagram types.
