Type A, B, C, D, Personality vs. Enneagram: Key Differences

The A, B, C, D personality theory and the Enneagram system are two frameworks used to understand the human personality and behavior. While the former categorizes people into four groups based on their behavior and stress response, the latter defines nine personality types, each with different fears and desires that motivate their actions and attitudes.

In this article, we’ll compare the Type A, B, C, D personality theory and the Enneagram test to help you better understand how these frameworks differ and which of these tests is more suitable for you.

What Are The A, B, C, D Personality Types?

The Type A, B, C, D personality framework groups people into four categories based on their common traits and behaviors.

These four personality types were first described by Hippocrates, who named them after bodily fluids: Sanguine (blood), Phlegmatic (phlegm), Choleric (yellow bile), and Melancholic (black bile). His theory was later refined by cardiologists Dr. Meyer Friedman and Dr. Ray Rosenman, among other researchers.

Below is an overview of the four Type A, B, C, D personalities:

Type A

Type A personalities are goal-oriented,efficient, competitive, and prone to perfectionism. Because they have a strong sense of urgency, they easily thrive in fast-paced environments.

The key strengths of this personality type are:

• Determination. Type A personalities strive for excellence and pursue their goals with unmatched focus and dedication.
• Leadership skills. Type As enjoy being in control of situations, which makes them natural-born leaders.
• High stress tolerance. Unlike most people, Type A personalities flourish under pressure; they tackle challenges head-on and are often very resilient.

Meanwhile, the weaknesses of this personality type include:

• Impatience. Type A personalities expect to see results quickly, so delays can cause them extreme frustration.
• Workaholism. Finding a healthy work-life balance for Type As can be challenging, as they often prioritize career success above all else.
• Control issues. Letting go of control is no easy feat for Type As, which is why they struggle with delegation.

Furthermore, researchers at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University found a correlation between Type A, B, C, and D personalities and health problems. Their study suggests that Type A personalities are susceptible to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep disorders
• Eating disorders
• Gastric problems
• Cardiovascular disease

Type B

Type B personalities are laid-back, sociable, and flexible. Unlike Type A, Type B personalities often feel a lack of urgency, which makes them relaxed but prone to procrastination.

Below are the key strengths of Type Bs:

• Creativity. Type B personalities usually have no difficulty coming up with innovative ideas and solutions.
• Optimism. Maintaining a positive outlook comes naturally to Type Bs, even in challenging situations.
• Easygoing nature. Type B personalities aren’t competitive or confrontational; they just want to get along with others and are usually quite adaptable.

By contrast, their weaknesses include:

• Inconsistency. Type Bs may struggle to stay focused and motivated, which can hinder their ability to achieve their goals.
• Lack of ambition. Type B personalities aren’t driven; they often choose the path that requires the least effort, even if it comes at a cost of reaching their full potential.
• Conflict avoidance. Since Type Bs value peace and harmony, they often shy away from conflicts and confrontation.

Type Bs are less prone to anxiety and similar mental health problems than Type A personalities. However, they’re susceptible to intestinal, musculoskeletal, and dermatological diseases.

Type C

Type C personalities are independent, logical, analytical, and thorough. People with this personality type are typically introverted and may appear detached, but they still value group harmony.

The main strengths of Type C personalities are:

• Caution. Type Cs are anything but impulsive; they prefer to plan carefully before acting and avoid unnecessary risks.
• Concentration. Deep focus is a superpower of Type C personalities; their ability to pay attention to tasks for extended periods helps them consistently achieve their goals.
• Attention to detail. Type Cs are detail-oriented, value accuracy, and tend to be organized.

By contrast, their weaknesses include the following:

• Passivity. Type Cs are often disengaged and passive, as they often get stuck in their own heads; they may also withdraw from conflict.
• Indecisiveness. Type C personalities are prone to analysis paralysis, which can make it challenging for them to make decisions and take action.
• Emotional restraint. Type C personalities can appear aloof because they usually suppress their emotions.

Type C personalities are susceptible to many of the same health issues as Type As, as well as alexithymia.

Type D

“D” stands for “distressed” in Type D, meaning people with this personality type are sensitive and anxious. Although they care about others, they may struggle with social inhibition.

The key strengths of Type D personalities are:

• Patience. Type D personalities are typically calm and patient; the saying “slow and steady wins the race” embodies their philosophy quite well.
• Consistency. Type Ds value consistency and stability, so they don’t mind tackling repetitive tasks that others may find boring.
• Supportive attitude. At their best, Type Ds can be caring, compassionate, and very supportive of those around them.

Meanwhile, their weaknesses include:

• Low self-esteem. Due to self-confidence and self-esteem issues, Type D personalities tend to question their worth and doubt their abilities.
• Change resistance. Since they appreciate stability and predictability, Type Ds often avoid change, even when it’s needed.
• Negative affectivity. Type D personalities are prone to pessimism and negative emotions, such as worry and irritability.

Now that we’ve discussed Type A, B, C, and D personalities, let’s see how they compare to the Enneagram test.

Type A, B, C, D Personality vs. Enneagram Test

The Type A, B, C, D personality test and the Enneagram test both explore the human personality, but they focus on different aspects of human personality. While the former describes temperaments and behaviors, the latter focuses on the inner drives that prompt people to act a certain way.

The table below provides a more in-depth comparison of the Type A, B, C, D personality test and the Enneagram personality framework:

Type A vs. Enneagram Types

The Type A personality is characterized by strong goal orientation, ambition, and a desire for success and perfection. As such, this type most closely resembles the following Enneagram types:

• Enneagram Type 1. Ones are constantly striving for improvement; like Type A personalities, they desire to achieve excellence and perfection.
• Enneagram Type 3. Like Type As, Threes are driven, success-oriented, and determined to achieve their goals no matter what.
• Enneagram Type 8. Eights are intense individuals with strong leadership skills who desire to stay in control of their lives, much like Type As.

That said, Ones are ambitious because they strive for perfection, Threes are motivated by success and recognition, whereas Eights pursue power and control to maintain their autonomy. As you can tell, taking the Enneagram test can help you gain more insight into the underlying drives behind the behavioral patterns described by the Type A, B, C, D personality framework.

Type B vs. Enneagram Types

Type B personalities are adaptable, relaxed, and conflict-avoidant, all of which are traits most closely associated with the Enneagram Type 7 and 9. Some Enneagram Type 2 individuals also identify with this type upon taking the Type A, B, C, D personality test.

Sevens resonate with the easygoing, flexible nature of Type Bs because they seek freedom, joy, and excitement in life. Like Type Bs, they can be very optimistic. Meanwhile, Nines are calm, laid-back individuals, much like Type Bs; driven by a desire for peace and harmony, they want to get along with others and avoid conflict at all costs.

Lastly, some Twos may resonate with the Type B personality, too, due to their non-competitive, sociable natures. Twos crave to be loved and accepted, so they typically go with the flow instead of asserting their needs and desires.

Type C vs. Enneagram Types

The Type C personality is marked by attention to detail and analytical thinking, so it closely resembles the Enneagram Type 5. It’s also not uncommon for those belonging to the Enneagram Type 6 and 1 to resonate with Type C.

Fives are introspective, cerebral individuals who desire to be competent above all else. Just like Type Cs, they can spend hours researching their interests but may appear emotionally detached.

Sixes, meanwhile, resonate with the cautious, detail-oriented nature of Type C personalities. They also like to plan things out and rarely take risks, as they want to feel safe and secure. Ones, on the other hand, value accuracy and organization as much as Type Cs because they want to get as close to perfection as possible; they always aim for doing the right thing and do it well.

Type D vs. Enneagram Types

The Type D personality is supportive and caring but prone to pessimism, anxiety, and emotional volatility. As such, it is usually associated with the following Enneagram types:

• Enneagram Type 4. Fours are emotionally intense individuals; like Type Ds, they can be moody and prone to melancholy.
• Enneagram Type 6. Sixes often resonate with Type D’s anxious nature, as their desire for security often causes them to feel stressed and worried.
• Enneagram Type 9. Nines are supportive and patient, but just like Type Ds, they can be resistant to change.

That said, other Enneagram types can also be similar to the Type D personality, especially when unhealthy. Unhealthy Twos, for example, may struggle with self-doubt and seek reassurance, which is often seen in Type Ds.

Which Test Should You Take?

When it comes to the Type A, B, C, D personality test vs. the Enneagram test debate, the test you should take largely depends on your goals, as these tests serve different purposes.

The Type A, B, C, D personality test is practical and straightforward, and it focuses on behaviors, allowing you to better understand how you respond to stress and daily challenges. It is especially useful for analyzing and understanding workplace behavior.

The Enneagram test, however, provides much deeper insight into who you truly are. This framework can serve as a transformative tool for personal development, as it reveals your core motivations, fears, and desires. Therefore, it allows you to understand not only how you behave but also why you behave the way you do.

By uncovering these hidden patterns, the Enneagram empowers you to break limiting, destructive, or otherwise unhealthy behaviors. As such, it can support you in reaching your full potential and stepping into the best version of yourself.

Ultimately, both the Type A, B, C, D personality framework and the Enneagram system can provide you with valuable insights into yourself. However, the Enneagram offers a deeper, more nuanced picture of who you are, making it a better option for those seeking personal growth.

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Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve discussed the key differences between the Type A, B, C, D personality theory and the Enneagram framework, it’s time to summarize the main points we covered today:

• The Type A, B, C, D personality framework recognizes four personality types: the goal-oriented and perfectionistic Type A, the laid-back and adaptable Type B, the detail-oriented and introverted Type C, and the sensitive and anxious Type D.
• The main difference between the Type A, B, C, D personality theory and the Enneagram test is that the former describes behaviors, whereas the latter explains the motivations behind them.
• Both tests can serve as a useful tool for raising self-awareness, but the Enneagram test is more effective for personal growth because it reveals your inner drives.

Type A, B, C, D Personality FAQ

#1. Can a person exhibit traits from more than one personality type?

Yes, a person can exhibit traits from more than one personality type. In the Enneagram system, this phenomenon is associated with the Enneagram wings, where your core type is influenced by another one. In the Type A, B, C, D personality framework, it’s also possible to display characteristics associated with different types.

#2. Are Type A, B, C, D personalities comparable to the Enneagram?

Type A, B, C, D personalities are comparable to the Enneagram only to a certain extent. While it’s possible to find similarities between the personality types described in these two frameworks, the Enneagram digs much deeper than the Type A, B, C, D personality test. This is because it focuses on motivations rather than behaviors.

#3. Can your personality type change?

Whether your personality type can change depends on the personality framework. For instance, your type cannot change in the Enneagram system, as your core motivations, fears, and desires remain constant throughout life. However, it may change on the Type A, B, C, D personality test since human behavior may change based on circumstances.