I Don't Believe in The Big Five

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When I'm talking to people about the wonders of the Enneagram :)), I often get pushback (or at least the question) around its scientific validity.

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Which is a totally fair question to raise, BTW –one that I was totally concerned with before I stumbled upon my first book on it (The Wisdom of the Enneagram, by Don Riso and Russ Hudson) that totally changed my life, 15 years ago.

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So the official answer to the issue of scientific validity is that currently the only official (-scientifically validated) personality 'typology' is The Big Five (also known as 'OCEAN', which is short for Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism).

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(This might change soon, with Dr Daniel Siegel's upcoming book and findings, but they are not out yet –stay tuned as all Enneagram lovers are!)

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Yet I personally don't 'believe' in The Big Five, at least not as a (dynamic) tool for growth that is the Enneagram.

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In true scientific fashion though I like to run the experiment of taking the test once every (few) year(s), and the results keep shifting –a LOT.

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According to this year's test, for example, I am

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–extremely high in Openness (92%)

–only slightly above average in Conscientiousness (66%)

–very high in Extroversion (84%)

–very low in Agreeableness (17%)

–very high in Neuroticism (82%)

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I have a couple issues with all this, namely that according to it

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–I'm considered extremely high in Openness (92%) –Which I am indeed, (sometimes too much so actually), though last year's score was slightly different,

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–am only slightly above average in Conscientiousness (66%) –Yet I know I can be extremely thorough, consistent and deeply focused (...on one single thing, until 'done' –thanks, SX Instinct), which is the definition of conscientiousness, if you ask me ...?! My home and environment are always squeaky clean and organized, BTW, bordering on OCD levels, really, as per Industriousness and Orderliness (the two alleged operationalizing 'ingredients' of this trait.)

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–I scored very high in Extroversion (84%) –Yet I feel and completely identify as an introvert (given that a, I'm awkward and overwhelmed in group settings, generally anxious about not getting my needs met in them, and need alone time to recharge –like a lot a lot a lot of it!)

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Re 'Enthusiasm' –What is that? I'm 'enthused' for quite a few things, yes (including e.g. the Enneagram and serving introverts). And re 'Assertiveness': as above, working on being just the 'right' amount of assertive in the right situation, etc. (sometimes struggling to even stand up for myself enough).

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–Last year I scored around 4% in Agreeableness –and now 17%, what's up with such a big shift? (And: it's still a very low score, though I know for a fact that I can be super-duper agreeable when I know-like-trust someone, etc.)

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(Also, if Agreeableness is composed of Compassion and Politeness –I can be extremely compassionate –to the extent that it hinders my own life, goals and boundaries as well; and even polite, if e.g. I genuinely respect someone ...)

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–very high in Neuroticism (82%) –...Yeah, that sounds about 'right' :D :D :D but this too keeps shifting slightly ... (How neurotic of me to be pointing this out, I guess?)

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But most importantly: How is it serving me (or anyone doing the test) to receive such a 'scientific' analysis that 'declares' who you are (without acknowledging why, and providing you with actionable tips to grow at the same time?)

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I don't 'believe' in The Big Five –not as dynamic, super compassionate and actionable tool for self-awareness, self-compassion and self-regulation.

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Do you?

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(Even if you do, feel free to book in to explore your Enneagram Type and Instinct with me as well, free!)

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