Utilizing the Enneagram in Assessment Modeling
The Enneagram may be a very old model for understanding the varieties of human personality development. Like all models it is not true, but it may point toward some truth. Personality measurement and resulting models are notoriously problematic and fraught with peril especially when used as a metric instrument rather than an integrated addition to all other available data about an individual. Still the enneagram as a personality system holds some possibility for better understanding of the differences between us.
As we have worked to develop intervention and treatment models that are more individualized, we began collecting Enneagram “type” as one part of our baseline data collection for individuals that participate in the Addiction Recovery Intensive (ARI). We used the Riso-Hudson (RHETI) screening questionnaire and results combined with other in person evaluations to assign a type (1-9) for each individual. Some interesting patterns have emerged.
For example, eighty five percent (85%) of our clients have emerged as one of only four (4) different types. We have seen many more of the types two (2), four (4), six (6), and nine (9). In addition, fifty-five percent (55%) have come from only two (2) of those types which are the Twos and the Sixes. This pattern does not match our informal control group where that same grouping only represents twenty-one (21%) of the total group. Nor does it match any available general distribution data which more closely matches our control group.
This has raised some very interesting questions for our future research. Are some types more likely to have substance use disorder? Are some types more attracted to our model of treatment? And can treatment be more targeted and better directed using this analysis? We think that there may be some strong enough correlation to our STAR Matrix (see the Specific section) model as a part of initial assessment and recommendation. We believe this will to add the information to appropriately assessment and treat an individual.
