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 ISFPs 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 ISFPs?
According to a study conducted by Thought Catalog, the most common Enneagram type for ISFPs is Enneagram 9. This makes a lot of sense when you consider that ISFPs strongly value peace and harmony. They’re gentle, easy-going, and accepting of others. These are the kind of ISFPs who are always looking to make everyone happy and comfortable.
The joint second most common Enneagram type for ISFPs is Enneagram 4. This isn’t too surprising. Enneagram 4s are creative, sensitive, and introspective. They’re also deeply emotional and can be quite idealistic. These are the kind of ISFPs who are individualistic and often feel misunderstood.
The joint second most common Enneagram type for ISFPs is Enneagram 6. Again, you can see why this would be the case. ISFPs are loyal, reserved, and private. They hold their cards close to their chest. These are the kind of ISFPs who are reliable and risk-averse.
Anyway, let’s save some thoughts for later on in the post.
How each Enneagram type manifests in ISFPs
Let’s now take a look at how ISFPs differ depending on their Enneagram type.
ISFP Enneagram 1
This is a very rare Enneagram type for ISFPs. ISFPs who identify as Enneagram 1 tend to be more of a perfectionist than your typical ISFP. They’re adaptable and calm, but they also have a strong sense of right and wrong. In addition, they are less impulsive and are more likely to think through decisions carefully, which can’t be said for all ISFPs.
ISFP 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, which means they can feel ashamed of their inclination for sensory pleasures.
People of this type have a strong sense of morality and justice, and this is often a trait that others pick up on soon after meeting them. However, ISFP Enneagram 1s are quite hard on themselves and can often benefit from learning to let go of their perfectionist tendencies.
ISFP Enneagram 2
ISFPs who identify as Enneagram 2 are more people-oriented and come across as more agreeable than your typical ISFP. While most ISFPs are flexible and easy-going, they can be quite headstrong at times.
ISFP Enneagram 2s tend to focus more on other people’s needs. They’re always looking out for their loved ones, and they’re quick to lend a helping hand. They are warm and nurturing. In addition, they are highly perceptive of their environment, and they use these skills to ensure that other people are happy and comfortable. This comes from a place of genuinely wanting to help people.
Some ISFPs 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 ISFP Enneagram 2s, though, because they want to be someone who can be counted on. However, ISFP Enneagram 2s can use their people skills to manipulate others into doing what they want.
ISFP Enneagram 3
ISFPs who identify as Enneagram 3 are more driven and ambitious than your typical ISFP. They’re always striving to be the best, and they tend to be competitive, which isn’t a trait you usually see in ISFPs. ISFP Enneagram 3s tend to be more comfortable in social situations than your typical ISFP. They’re the kind of people who can be very convincing when they want to be.
ISFP Enneagram 3s are resourceful, and they’re always looking for ways to improve. They’re never satisfied with mediocrity, and they push themselves to their limits. In addition, they are focused on achieving success. They are more comfortable in leadership roles, and they are very practical. They can find it hard to sit still, which is why they like to be doing things.
ISFPs are naturally perceptive of their environment, and they are highly aware of physical beauty. These characteristics are even more evident in ISFP Enneagram 3s. This can mean that they are more image-conscious and concerned about what others think of them.
ISFP Enneagram 4
This is the joint second most common Enneagram type for an ISFP. While ISFPs are emotional people, and they naturally take time to self-reflect, ISFP Enneagram 4s are even more introspective and sensitive than your typical ISFP. They are highly self-aware and in touch with their emotions. In addition, they tend to need more alone time than some other ISFPs.
While most ISFPs are happy to spend time alone and match to the beat of their own drum, you see these traits accentuated in ISFP Enneagram 4s. They can feel misunderstood, and they sometimes live with a sense of being ‘different.’ In addition, they have a deep desire for self-expression and are often drawn to the arts. This ties in with the fact that they are some of the most creative ISFPs.
ISFP Enneagram 4s tend to be slightly more individualistic, often through their fashion sense, although this isn’t exclusively related to being an ISFP Enneagram 4. People of this type often have a deep understanding of human nature, and they can be very perceptive when it comes to other people’s emotions. However, their heightened awareness of their own emotions can make them susceptible to depression and anxiety.
ISFP Enneagram 5
ISFP Enneagram 5s tend to be more cerebral than your typical ISFP. They’re highly intelligent, and they love to learn new things. In addition, they tend to make more calculated decisions, and they don’t have that reckless streak that can be seen in some ISFPs. This is a rare Enneagram type for ISFPs.
People of this type are also quite independent and self-sufficient. In fact, ISFP Enneagram 5s tend to be highly independent, and they become drained quickly from socializing. Like ISFP Enneagram 4s, they need more alone time so that they can think and process information. This type is often very practical, and they have a more logical thought process than a lot of other ISFPs.
While ISFPs tend to be resourceful in a practical sense, ISFPs Enneagram 5s are talented at analyzing information and data. In addition, they’re quick to notice inconsistencies in their environment that others might miss. However, they can be arrogant and condescending when they think they are right.
ISFP Enneagram 6
This is the joint second most common Enneagram type for an ISFP. ISFP Enneagram 6s tend to be more anxious and uncertain than your typical ISFP. While most ISFPs shoot from the hip and aren’t afraid to take a chance, ISFP Enneagram 6s are more risk-averse. They are less impulsive and take time to think through decisions.
ISFP 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. In fact, people of this type value loyalty above all else. While some ISFPs can be a little flighty, ISFP Enneagram 6s take pride in sticking to their word. You can count on them to follow through. They value being part of a group and they often have a strong sense of community.
People of this type like to plan for multiple scenarios because they are very focused on safety and security. However, imagining all the different ways a situation might play out can be a struggle for ISFPs. In addition, they can need a lot of reassurance from others at times. They can also be prone to paranoia and worry. This means that they can be quite pessimistic.
ISFP Enneagram 7
ISFP Enneagram 7s are fun-loving and spontaneous. They’re always looking for new thrills, and they’re quick to jump into new experiences. Despite being introverts, they enjoy exploring the world and often love spending time in nature. Ultimately, they need to be kept on their toes because they don’t cope well with boredom.
People of this type seek out adventure and sensory stimulation. 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.
ISFP 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 that they don’t always stick to plans. It’s not unusual for ISFP Enneagram 7s to change tack at a moment’s notice.
ISFP Enneagram 8
This is a very rare Enneagram type for ISFPs. ISFP Enneagram 8s are more ambitious and competitive. They are also more assertive and can be direct. In addition, they are goal-oriented. As a result, they have a tougher edge than some other ISFPs, and they are often seen as headstrong but in an understated and calm way.
ISFP Enneagram 8s are more comfortable in leadership positions. They tend to appreciate flat hierarchical structures, where everybody can have their say, and they don’t tend to be overly controlling. ISFP micromanagers are a rare breed. While most ISFPs are resourceful, ISFP Enneagram 8s are especially so.
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 ISFP Enneagram 8s are also quick-thinkers, and they’re very good at problem-solving on the fly.
ISFP Enneagram 9
This is the most common Enneagram type for ISFPs. ISFP Enneagram 9s are even more easy-going and agreeable than your typical ISFP. They’re peacemakers who strive to maintain harmony. In addition, they’re usually quite content with letting others take the lead.
People of this type tend to be more patient and willing to compromise. While most ISFPs are adaptable, ISFP Enneagram 9s tend to be the most adaptable of all the ISFP Enneagram types. At the same time as being flexible, ISFPs can actually be resistant to change because they can view it as a disruption to harmony.
ISFPs tend to be calm and collected in general, and these traits are even more evident in ISFP Enneagram 9s. They are highly talented at reading people, 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 more conflict-averse than other ISFPs.
Nuances between ISFP Enneagram types
So there you have it, the nuances between ISFPs of different Enneagram types. While we have focused on the differences in this post, it’s important to remember that you’re still an ISFP, first and foremost.
This means that you like your alone time and you’re very adaptable. There’s a good chance that you’ll also be practical, emotional, 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 ISFP Enneagram types, we hope this post has provided insight into why you might not fit the stereotype of an ISFP.
Final thoughts on ISFP Enneagram types
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like How ESFP Enneagram Types Differ. Finally, if you liked this post, share it with friends so they can better understand the differences between the ISFP Enneagram types.
