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    Home » Blog » Enneagram

    Enneagram 5: The Thinker, Investigator + Observer

    Published: Jun 28, 2022 by Zina Harrington · Post may contain affiliate links

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    An Enneagram 5 is often described as The Thinker, The Investigator or The Observer. Do any of these descriptive name resonate with you? Learn more about Type 5 below!

    A woman pausing to think as she holds a book.

    Curious if you are an Enneagram 5? Nailing down which of the nine Enneagram personality types you are can feel like a struggle.

    Understanding your Enneagram type is worth the effort. The self-awareness it brings makes it easier to move toward a simple and slow life!

    Jump to:
    • Type Five: The Investigator
    • Enneagram 5 Personality Under Stress
    • A Healthy Enneagram 5
    •  TYPE 5: THE THINKING TRIAD
    • Binge-Worthy Enneagram 5 Reads
    • Additional Enneagram Resources
    • 💬 Community

    Type Five: The Investigator

    Enneagram Fives are often described as the The Thinker, The Investigator or The Observer.

    Fives are often independent, private, curious problem-solvers, who prefer to actively observe the world from a comfortable distance.

    Type Fives constantly gather knowledge and information. Not only does this allow them to feel helpful, competent, and calm, it gives them a sense of safe control.

    Many Enneagram 5s are introverts. However, when coupled with fellow intellectuals, knowledge-lovers, and a topic of interest ... they can be quite social.

    Enneagram 5 Personality Under Stress

    When overwhelmed, Fives can become distracted, clingy, and disorganized, making it challenging to completed tasks.

    In an attempt to feel more secure, they tend to overlook others and turn 100% of their attention to their own needs. This habit can come across as hurtful making them seem rude and disconnected.

    In other words, when Enneagram Fives are stressed they shift toward the unhealthy side of Type Seven, The Adventurer.

    • Group of enthusiastic people on an adventure with their arms around each others shoulders.
      Enneagram 7: The Adventurer + Enthusiast

    A Healthy Enneagram 5

    Healthy Enneagram Fives have found tools to be more confident, outspoken, and spontaneous.

    Secure Enneagram 5s begin to recognize when they are withdrawing. They become more connected and present with the people they love.

    In summary, when Type 5s are healthy they shift toward the positive side of Type Eight, The Protector.

    • Woman with her fist raised ready for a challenge.
      Enneagram 8: The Protector, Challenger + Controller

     TYPE 5: THE THINKING TRIAD

    Enneagram Fives use thinking as their primary guide when making decisions.

    This is because Type 5 is part of the Head Triad. The Thinking Triad is comprised of three types — Enneagram 5, Enneagram 6, and Enneagram 7.

    Learn more about the other Head Triad types: Enneagram 6 and Enneagram 7.

    • Enneagram 6: The Loyalist, Skeptic & Faithful Guardian
    • Group of enthusiastic people on an adventure with their arms around each others shoulders.
      Enneagram 7: The Adventurer + Enthusiast

    Binge-Worthy Enneagram 5 Reads

    Do you think you might be an Enneagram Five? Here are a few additional Type 5 resources for you!

    • Womans feet resting on a car dashboard as she lives an unbalanced life.
      Perfectly Imperfect: The Joy and Delight of an Unbalanced Life
    • Anxious woman sitting relaxed with a book and cup of coffee.
      The 21 Day Anti-Anxiety Challenge
    • Make your dreams come true: How to create a life you cannot wait to wake up to
    • An anxious woman holding her hands to her face contimplating minimalism
      3 Simple Ways Minimalism Reduces Anxiety 

    Additional Enneagram Resources

    Want to dive deeper into the Enneagram? Check out these additional resources!

    • A collage of the three Enneagram book covers.
      The BEST Books on Enneagram
    • Person writing and doing an Enneagram test assessment on a clipboard with another person.
      The Best FREE Enneagram Personality Test

    The 9 Enneagram Personality Types

    Still not sure if you're an Enneagram Five? There are a total of nine personality types. Learn more about the other Enneagram types.

    • Woman with a cup of coffee and an arm tattoo that says, "guts over fear."
      Enneagram 1: The Idealist, Perfectionist + Reformer
    • A full coffee mug with the Enneagram 2 phrase "what good shall i do this day?" written on it.
      Enneagram 2: The Caregiver + Helper
    • Powerful woman standing in front of a conference room.
      Enneagram 3: The Achiever + Performer
    • Woman making a peace sign with her hands.
      Enneagram 9: The Peacekeeper, Peacemaker + Mediator

    Love this Enneagram numbers post? Sharing it would make our week. 💛

    It would make my entire week if you took a second to share this Enneagram numbers post on your favorite social media spot. A share is like a reader vote — it's how we know we’re on the right track and should continue writing more content like this!

    « Enneagram 7: The Adventurer + Enthusiast
    Enneagram 8: The Protector, Challenger + Controller »
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    I believe overwhelm and busy get in the way of finding time for what really matters in life. I help women unclutter, make space, and design a simple and slow life. Let's de-crapify your world → Ready to reset?

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