Misidentifying Enneagram 5 and 6: Why Does It Happen?

Enneagram 5 and 6 misidentification can happen very easily because Enneagram Type 5, the Investigator, and Enneagram Type 6, the Loyalist, are alike in many ways. For this reason, it is not surprising that misidentifying Fives as Sixes and vice versa is one of the most common Enneagram misidentifications.

In this article, we’ll explain why misidentifying Sixes and Fives is so common by exploring their shared traits and key differences. Let’s jump in!

Why Do Enneagrams 5 and 6 Get Misidentified?

Enneagrams 5 and 6 get misidentified because of the similar qualities they share. In order to understand what makes them unique, it is essential to be aware of their similarities. So, let’s analyze the traits they share before we address their differences:

• Focus on the intellect: For Fives, understanding the world on an intellectual level is essential. Sixes are also strongly intellectually oriented and like to reflect carefully on everything that happens in their lives.
• Cautiousness: Both Fives and Sixes are very prudent and think carefully before making any decision or taking any particular action, and this is one of the most common reasons for the Enneagram 5 and 6 misidentification. They are very aware of all the possible worst-case scenarios and, therefore, take all the precautions possible before making any important move in their lives.
• Competence: The Investigator and the Loyalist value knowledge and competence and are very thorough when it comes to learning and acquiring skills. As a result, both are often unparalleled experts in their fields of interest.
• Need for predictability: For Fives and Sixes, it is very important to have a plan for everything, as unpredictability triggers their deepest fears and puts them under stress. For this reason, both are excellent planners and troubleshooters, and this is also what makes the Enneagram 5 and 6 misidentification so common.
• Sense of responsibility: Sixes and Fives are highly dependable and dutiful individuals who take life seriously. They apply the highest standards to everything they do, which is why they easily earn the respect of others, especially in professional contexts.

What is Enneagram Misidentification?

Enneagram misidentification, also referred to as Enneagram mistyping, is a common phenomenon that happens when one personality type is wrongly determined. It is commonly the result of the misinterpretation of someone’s traits and behaviors combined with the lack of knowledge about Enneagram types in general.

The reason why it is important to identify your Enneagram type correctly is that getting the wrong type can confuse you in terms of what your greatest potential and weaknesses are. Moreover, it can lead to failed opportunities for personal growth and development and generally slow down the process of self-discovery.

So, correct determination of your Enneagram type can provide significant support in improving the overall quality of your life, as it helps you identify your talents and strengths and sheds light on the most efficient ways for overcoming your weaknesses.

8 Common Reasons for Enneagram Misidentification

Understanding how Enneagram 5 and 6 misidentification happens is much easier when you understand the most typical reasons behind Enneagram mistyping in general.

So, here are the most common reasons for Enneagram misidentification:

#1. Complexity of Human Personality

While we know so much about human personality and psychology today, it is still challenging to classify people into a certain number of types. That’s because every person is unique, and no personality theory, regardless of how well-rounded and scientifically backed it is, can encompass all the complexity and depth of one’s personality.

With that in mind, it is natural to expect that the Enneagram system of nine personality types, despite all of its layers and nuances, can be limited in some ways.

#2. Misinterpretation of Motivations

Enneagram motivations are one of the most important concepts of the Enneagram theory. They explain what drives each personality type and how they construct their life strategy, focusing more on the inner psychological factors than on the observable behavior.

So, since traits and behaviors aren’t the key determinants of a certain Enneagram type, misidentifying Fives and misidentifying Sixes will likely happen if one doesn't know their true motivations.

#3. Narrow Perceptions and Stereotypes

Stereotypes surround every personality theory, and the Enneagram is no exception. There are many prejudices about each Enneagram type that are sometimes expressed as funny memes and other times as malicious comments. However, even when they are amusing and funny, stereotypes and prejudices can lead to mistyping and are one of the common reasons for the Enneagram 5 and 6 misidentification.

#4. Influence of Enneagram Wings

According to Enneagram theory, every Enneagram type can be influenced by its neighboring type called Enneagram wings. Depending on which Enneagram wing is more dominant, each Enneagram type comes in two subtypes.

For example, Type Five can have Type Six as a wing, and Type Six can have a Five wing, too. Needless to say, this can easily lead to Enneagram misidentification.

#5. Influence of Enneagram Arrows

Enneagram arrows are another important concept of the Enneagram theory. They explain how each type changes when they experience stress and how they grow or regress. So, as they grow or deteriorate, Enneagram types can display behavioral patterns that are not so typical of their type, which obviously can be very confusing when identifying someone’s type.

#6. Variability in Healthy vs. Unhealthy Types

Every Enneagram type can function at different levels of development and exhibit healthy and/or unhealthy patterns. The more developed a person is, the more they will express the best qualities of their Enneagram type. However, we all go through different experiences as we mature, and the more immature a person is, the more unhealthy their behavior will be.

So, when an Enneagram type is unhealthy, it can behave in ways that are not typical, which may make accurate Enneagram type determination challenging.

#7. External Influences

There’s no way to predict what kind of external influences we will be exposed to. These external influences like climate, culture, ecology, and similar factors that aren’t under our control shape who we are and how we respond to life in many important ways and can modify how our core Enneagram type is expressed, thus contributing to the Enneagram 5 and 6 misidentification and Enneagram mistyping in general.

#8. Limitations of Self-Perception

To some extent, all personality tests are based on self-perception, which means they can never provide 100% objective results. That’s because self-perception is always limited by our beliefs, fears, prejudices, and expectations, which make room for mistakes when identifying our true Enneagram type.

3 Key Differences Between Enneagram Types 5 and 6

The critical differences between Enneagram 5 and 6 are evident in all the important aspects of their lives, from their personal traits to their behavioral expressions. So, here’s an overview of all of their most important distinctions:

Differences in Traits

The most obvious difference in traits between Fives and Sixes is in their sociability. Fives are very introverted and truly enjoy spending time alone. Socializing is a responsibility for them, and they rarely enjoy it.

Sixes, on the other hand, though they can appear just as reserved and cautious as Fives, love being surrounded by people as they feel the need to belong to their community. Moreover, Sixes are way more relationship-oriented than Fives, who often struggle with building and fostering close connections.

Furthermore, Fives are more inquisitive and curious about the world, whereas Sixes are more worried and anxious than interested in understanding how life works. Sixes are also way more traditional than Fives, who, though they respect rules, are innovative thinkers who enjoy experimenting with new approaches and theories.

Another important distinction between them is their level of independence. Fives are more independent and protect their autonomy firmly, whereas Sixes are very dependent on the people they love and often on authority figures who matter to them.

Understanding Motivations

Each Enneagram type is motivated by their unique needs, fears, and desires, which are the basis of their life strategies. Enneagram motivations are one of the core concepts of the Enneagram, and they explain the fundamental differences between seemingly similar personality types, such as Enneagram Type 5 and Enneagram Type 6.

• Enneagram Type 5 Motivations: Fives are motivated by the desire to understand reality, the universe, and life in general. Knowledge and understanding provide them with a sense of security and relieve their fear of uncertainty. The more competent they are, the more self-confident they feel.
• Enneagram Type 6 Motivations: Sixes are motivated by a deep need for security. All their efforts are ultimately directed toward ensuring safety, connection, and predictability in their lives. They crave to feel safe and protected from life’s twists and turns.

Behavioral Expressions

Though on a superficial level, their behaviors can seem very similar, understanding the context in which they exhibit those similar behaviors sheds light on their differences. Here are some of their most typical behavioral expressions:

• Enneagram Type 5 Behaviors: Fives tend to isolate themselves, avoid small talk, and generally don’t feel comfortable in groups and around people who they don’t know well. They can be very formal, distant, and detached, making it very hard for others to approach them.
• Enneagram Type 6 Behaviors: Sixes are kind, prone to people-pleasing, and avoid conflicts. They want to protect the harmony in their environment because chaos and disruption make them feel deeply insecure. In addition, they can also be very controlling as they try to protect themselves against unpredictability.

How to Know Which Enneagram Type You Are

To know which Enneagram type you are, you need to understand the basics of the Enneagram theory and its core concepts. The better you understand the essence of Enneagram type classification, the easier it will be for you to determine your own and others’ personality types.

However, by far, the most reliable way to determine your type accurately is to take a quality Enneagram test. Such tests comprise carefully designed questions that target specific traits. They also provide detailed explanations of every Enneagram type.

Of course, you can always ask the people who know you well for feedback about your behavior and traits to check if your perception of yourself matches others’. This kind of inquiry may provide you with useful insights, further fostering your self-development.

Key Takeaways

Enneagram 5 and 6 misidentification is very common because Fives and Sixes are similar in many ways. With that in mind, let’s wrap up by focusing on the key insights about Enneagram 5 and 6 misidentification:

• Though they have many shared traits, Enneagrams Five and Six are motivated by entirely different needs.
• Enneagram motivation is one of the central concepts of the Enneagram theory. That means that it is essential to understand what drives each type to avoid misidentifying the Enneagram type.
• The most reliable way to determine your Enneagram type is to take a quality Enneagram test and familiarize yourself with the Enneagram theory in general.