The Enneagram of Personality: Exploring the Instinctual Subtypes
The Enneagram of Personality is a popular system for understanding human behavior, motivations, and personality types. It categorizes individuals into nine different personality types, each with its own distinct characteristics and underlying motivations. But did you know that within these nine types, there are three additional layers of complexity known as the instinctual subtypes?
In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of the instinctual subtypes within the Enneagram system. We will explore what they are, how they impact our personalities, and how understanding them can enhance our self-awareness and personal growth.
## Table of Contents
– [Understanding the Enneagram](#understanding-the-enneagram)
– [Introducing the Instinctual Subtypes](#introducing-the-instinctual-subtypes)
– [The Self-preservation Subtype](#the-self-preservation-subtype)
– [The Social Subtype](#the-social-subtype)
– [The Sexual (One-to-One) Subtype](#the-sexual-one-to-one-subtype)
– [The Impact of the Instinctual Subtypes](#the-impact-of-the-instinctual-subtypes)
– [Unlocking Personal Growth](#unlocking-personal-growth)
– [Conclusion](#conclusion)
### Understanding the Enneagram
Before we dive into the instinctual subtypes, let’s quickly recap the basics of the Enneagram. The Enneagram is a model of human personality that divides individuals into nine different types, labeled numerically from One to Nine. Each type is characterized by a core motivation, fears, desires, and coping mechanisms.
### Introducing the Instinctual Subtypes
The instinctual subtypes are three additional layers that add further nuance to the nine main types. They represent different instinctual drives or orientations that influence how individuals relate to the world around them. The three subtypes are:
1. Self-preservation (also known as “preserving”)
2. Social (also known as “adapting”)
3. Sexual (also known as “dominant” or “one-to-one”)
Each subtype has its own focus and behaviors which give an individual within a particular type a unique flavor.
### The Self-preservation Subtype
The self-preservation subtype puts a strong emphasis on individual survival and well-being. People with this subtype are primarily concerned with their physical health, safety, and material comforts. They display behaviors such as hoarding resources, being cautious, and focusing on self-care.
Here is a table outlining the self-preservation subtype for each main Enneagram type:
| Enneagram Type | Self-Preservation Behaviors |
|---|---|
| Type One | Focuses on personal discipline, organization, and physical health. |
| Type Two | Seeks approval and nurturing, tends to worry about losing support. |
| Type Three | Driven by success, material rewards, and maintaining a positive image. |
| Type Four | Craves unique experiences, tends to isolate to protect their emotional well-being. |
| Type Five | Withdraws to conserve resources and energy, values personal autonomy. |
| Type Six | Seeks security, tends to worry, and prepares for worst-case scenarios. |
| Type Seven | Seeks pleasure, avoids pain, tends to overindulge in stimulating experiences. |
| Type Eight | Protector of themselves and their inner circle, prioritizes personal strength. |
| Type Nine | Avoidance of conflict and discomfort, tends to merge with their environment. |
### The Social Subtype
The social subtype focuses on the individual’s role within their community and the larger societal context. People with this subtype are concerned with belonging, relationships, and making a positive impact on their community. They seek connection, actively participate in groups, and often take on leadership roles.
Here is a table outlining the social subtype for each main Enneagram type:
| Enneagram Type | Social Behaviors |
|---|---|
| Type One | Concern for justice, fairness, and being part of a moral community. |
| Type Two | Focus on relationships, meeting others’ needs, and seeking approval. |
| Type Three | Driven by social status, achievements, and maintaining a positive image. |
| Type Four | Seeks connections for validation and understanding, often feels like an outsider. |
| Type Five | Values knowledge-sharing, social contribution, and being an expert. |
| Type Six | Building a network of support, loyalty to groups, and seeking guidance. |
| Type Seven | Seeks excitement and connections to avoid emotional pain and boredom. |
| Type Eight | Takes charge, challenges the status quo, and seeks community empowerment. |
| Type Nine | Strives for harmony, avoids confrontations, and seeks connection to maintain peace. |
### The Sexual (One-to-One) Subtype
The sexual subtype emphasizes intense one-on-one connections and the pursuit of passionate experiences. People with this subtype are driven by their desires and are often intense, assertive, and competitive. They prioritize intense emotional connections and can become possessive or jealous in relationships.
Here is a table outlining the sexual (one-to-one) subtype for each main Enneagram type:
| Enneagram Type | Sexual (One-to-One) Behaviors |
|---|---|
| Type One | Driven by the pursuit of perfection in relationships, intense bond-seeking. |
| Type Two | Seeks intense emotional connection, nurturing, and becoming indispensable. |
| Type Three | Driven by the desire to be the best, achieving admiration, and success in relationships. |
| Type Four | Craves deep emotional connections, intense experiences, and romantic idealization. |
| Type Five | Values deep connections but often experiences social anxiety and withdrawal. |
| Type Six | Seeks intense loyalty, possessive at times, and creates close-knit relationships. |
| Type Seven | Seeks thrill, novelty, stimulation, and may have multiple intense relationships. |
| Type Eight | Intensity in relationships, seeks erotic connections, and may dominate or protect partners. |
| Type Nine | Craves harmony and deep connection, often merges with partners to avoid conflict. |
### The Impact of the Instinctual Subtypes
Understanding the instinctual subtypes within the Enneagram can provide valuable insights into our behavior patterns and motivations. By identifying our dominant subtype, we can gain a better understanding of why we act the way we do and how to navigate our relationships and personal growth.
Some key impacts of the instinctual subtypes include:
1. **Relationship dynamics**: The subtypes influence how we relate to others, how we seek connection, and our behaviors within interpersonal relationships.
2. **Defaults under stress**: Each subtype has specific coping mechanisms and reactions when faced with stress or conflict.
3. **Motivations and desires**: The subtypes shed light on the underlying motivations and desires that drive our behaviors and decision-making processes.
### Unlocking Personal Growth
Once we have identified our dominant instinctual subtype, we can harness this knowledge for personal growth and development. By understanding our default patterns, we can challenge ourselves to explore other behaviors that may enhance our well-being and relationships.
Here are some tips for personal growth based on the instinctual subtypes:
1. **Self-preservation**: Focus on self-care, setting boundaries, and finding a balance between material security and personal growth.
2. **Social**: Cultivate meaningful connections, actively participate in communities, and balance individual needs with community impact.
3. **Sexual (One-to-One)**: Explore healthy ways to pursue intense connections while maintaining personal boundaries and respecting others’ autonomy.
Remember, the Enneagram is a tool for self-awareness and growth, and understanding the instinctual subtypes adds a valuable layer of insight into our personalities and behaviors. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and use this knowledge to enhance your relationships and personal well-being.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, the instinctual subtypes provide a deeper understanding of the Enneagram system and how it can be applied to personal growth. By exploring the self-preservation, social, and sexual subtypes within each main Enneagram type, we gain valuable insights into our motivations, behaviors, and relationship dynamics.
Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your Enneagram type by exploring the instinctual subtypes? Start by identifying your dominant subtype and use this newfound knowledge to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Remember, the Enneagram is a tool for self-awareness, understanding, and empathy towards ourselves and others. Embrace the insights it offers and use them as a compass to navigate life’s challenges and cultivate meaningful connections.
Table of Contents