Validity and reliability of enneagram personality types and subtypes inventory in a Turkish sample

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to perform validity and reliability of the Enneagram Types and Subtypes Inventory (ETASI) based on the Enneagram Personality Theory (EPT).Methods: A self-report scale was developed to evaluate personality types and subtypes based on the EPT. After the pilot application, the final form of ETASI (69 items for types, 30 items for subtypes) and five-factor personality inventory short form (5FPI-SF) were applied as an online form on the Internet. 5FPI-SF was utilized for the concurrent validity. For the construct validity of the subscales, confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were used, and internal consistency reliabilities were determined by Cronbach Alpha coefficients. Also, test-retest reliabilities were assessed within the four weeks period.Results: In this study, there were 3531 participants and most of the participants were females (91.3%) and had a higher education level (14.37±4.33 years). For the CFA model, data fit indices of the scales were found as good and acceptable values. Cronbach Alpha coefficients were calculated between 0.665 (type 5) and 0.865 (type 8) for the type scales, and between 0.748 (social) and 0.783 (self-preservation) for the subtype scales. Concurrent validity of the scales (5FPI-SF and ETASI) was found well established. Satisfactory test-retest coefficients of reliability were also confirmed within the range of 0.289 and 0.512 (p<0.05).Conclusion: Psychometric analyses have shown that ETASI is a valid and reliable self-report personality inventory for determining types and subtypes of EPT.