Self-Preservation
(Dauntless):
More self-sacrificing,
almost a suicidal edge (life on the edge brings meaning
to an otherwise mundane life). More self-contained than
other Fours; denial of envy and fear of dependency lead
to counter-dependency, autonomy. Instead of demanding
from the outside world, they demand from themselves,
don’t play the victim; more a noble martyr, can wreck
what they get in order to stay on the edge.
At best
systemically focused, advocate of risk/change,
tenacious, self-demanding; at worst self-sacrificing,
too autonomous, self-critical/unsure.
One-to-One/Sexual (Competition):
Competitive anger (“I
want that, too!”). An invigorating energy that cuts
through depression, envy in sense of denying their
inferiority (“It’s unfair that I don’t have it!”).
Compete for approval (particularly from “special”
people) and through rivalry with people who get
recognition they want. An arrogant position, wanting
something so much they push until rejected. Very
intensely desiring.
At best
focused on distinctive competency, working to make the
group/organization the best; at worst competitive,
arrogant ("misunderstood genius"); angry envy, too
intense.
Social (Shame):
The shyest of the Four
subtypes, develop mechanisms to call negative attention
to themselves. Feelings of shame arise from feeling
unworthy. A passion for being “in,” wanting to be
included, to receive favors, but feeling “I’m nothing,”
“I’m ugly,” “I’m silly.” A sense of not meeting the
standards others are capable of meeting. Shame disguised
by image of “being above the common throng.”
At best
empathic, authentic, appreciative, help others see
outside the box; at worst too strong a desire to be with
the "in crowd," too self-effacing, shy.
*
* *
*According to
Peter O'Hanrahan,
the subtypes "show how the ruling emotion of our type is expressed through our
instinctual behavior." The above descriptions also draw from Helen
Palmer's The Enneagram in Love & Work and
workshops with
Dr. Claudio Naranjo.
Subtype Test
Answers to Subtype Test
