The Enneagram Instinctual Variants: Self-Preservation, Social, and Sexual
In the Enneagram system, the instinctual variants, also known as subtypes, add another layer of complexity and depth to our understanding of personality. Each of the nine Enneagram types is influenced by three instinctual drives: self-preservation, social, and sexual (also known as one-to-one). These instincts shape how we interact with the world and influence our behaviors, motivations, and relationships. In this article, we will explore the three instinctual variants and how they impact each Enneagram type.
The Three Instinctual Variants
Self-Preservation (SP):
Focus: Basic survival needs, such as safety, health, comfort, and material security.
Behavior: Individuals with a dominant self-preservation instinct prioritize their physical well-being and personal comfort. They are often practical, resourceful, and attentive to their environment.
Social (SO):
Focus: Social interactions, community, group dynamics, and social status.
Behavior: Individuals with a dominant social instinct prioritize their relationships and social connections. They are often attuned to group dynamics, seek belonging, and strive to maintain their social standing.
Sexual (SX):
Focus: Intense one-to-one connections, attraction, passion, and intimacy.
Behavior: Individuals with a dominant sexual instinct prioritize deep, intimate relationships and experiences. They are often energetic, passionate, and focused on building strong bonds with others.
How Instinctual Variants Influence Each Type
Type 1: The Reformer
Self-Preservation 1: The Pragmatist
Traits: Practical, disciplined, focused on personal standards and efficiency.
Behavior: Prioritizes order, cleanliness, and personal integrity. Often appears calm and methodical.
Social 1: The Advocate
Traits: Idealistic, community-focused, driven by social justice and reform.
Behavior: Strives to improve society, uphold ethical standards, and promote fairness.
Sexual 1: The Zealot
Traits: Passionate, intense, focused on perfecting close relationships.
Behavior: Seeks to bring improvement and excellence to their personal connections, often with a strong sense of mission.
Type 2: The Helper
Self-Preservation 2: The Caretaker
Traits: Nurturing, protective, focused on providing for loved ones.
Behavior: Ensures the well-being and comfort of others, often taking on a parental role.
Social 2: The Ambassador
Traits: Sociable, charming, focused on building networks and connections.
Behavior: Engages in social activities, promotes harmony, and seeks to be indispensable within the community.
Sexual 2: The Lover
Traits: Intense, seductive, focused on deep, personal relationships.
Behavior: Seeks intimate connections, often using charm and attention to forge strong bonds.
Type 3: The Achiever
Self-Preservation 3: The Performer
Traits: Efficient, focused on personal success and material security.
Behavior: Prioritizes productivity, image, and tangible achievements.
Social 3: The Politician
Traits: Charismatic, network-oriented, focused on social status and influence.
Behavior: Seeks recognition and admiration within the community, often acting as a role model.
Sexual 3: The Charmer
Traits: Energetic, attractive, focused on personal appeal and intimate connections.
Behavior: Uses charm and attractiveness to build relationships and achieve success.
Type 4: The Individualist
Self-Preservation 4: The Creative
Traits: Introspective, focused on personal space and self-expression.
Behavior: Seeks comfort and security in familiar environments, often engaging in creative pursuits.
Social 4: The Artist
Traits: Expressive, community-oriented, focused on being unique and authentic within the group.
Behavior: Strives to stand out and be recognized for their individuality and creativity.
Sexual 4: The Intimate
Traits: Passionate, intense, focused on deep, emotional connections.
Behavior: Seeks profound, transformative relationships and experiences.
Type 5: The Investigator
Self-Preservation 5: The Researcher
Traits: Independent, resourceful, focused on knowledge and personal security.
Behavior: Seeks to understand and master their environment, often through intellectual pursuits.
Social 5: The Professor
Traits: Intellectual, community-oriented, focused on sharing knowledge and expertise.
Behavior: Engages in teaching, mentoring, and contributing to group understanding.
Sexual 5: The Philosopher
Traits: Intense, curious, focused on deep, intellectual and emotional connections.
Behavior: Seeks profound insights and transformative relationships.
Type 6: The Loyalist
Self-Preservation 6: The Guardian
Traits: Cautious, protective, focused on safety and preparedness.
Behavior: Ensures security and stability in their environment, often planning for potential risks.
Social 6: The Buddy
Traits: Sociable, loyal, focused on building supportive networks.
Behavior: Engages in group activities, fosters strong community bonds, and seeks to be a reliable friend.
Sexual 6: The Warrior
Traits: Courageous, intense, focused on loyalty and close relationships.
Behavior: Seeks strong, committed bonds and stands up for loved ones.
Type 7: The Enthusiast
Self-Preservation 7: The Enterpriser
Traits: Practical, resourceful, focused on personal enjoyment and comfort.
Behavior: Seeks pleasure and variety in practical ways, often planning and organizing activities.
Social 7: The Networker
Traits: Sociable, optimistic, focused on building a wide range of connections.
Behavior: Engages in social events, fosters a sense of community, and spreads positivity.
Sexual 7: The Adventurer
Traits: Intense, passionate, focused on thrilling, one-to-one experiences.
Behavior: Seeks exciting and transformative relationships and activities.
Type 8: The Challenger
Self-Preservation 8: The Survivor
Traits: Strong, resilient, focused on personal control and security.
Behavior: Ensures their own safety and stability, often taking a protective role.
Social 8: The Leader
Traits: Charismatic, community-oriented, focused on leadership and influence.
Behavior: Takes charge of group dynamics, promoting justice and fairness.
Sexual 8: The Seducer
Traits: Intense, passionate, focused on powerful, intimate connections.
Behavior: Seeks to dominate and influence close relationships.
Type 9: The Peacemaker
Self-Preservation 9: The Comfort Seeker
Traits: Easy-going, focused on personal peace and comfort.
Behavior: Seeks to create a calm and pleasant environment, avoiding conflict and stress.
Social 9: The Connector
Traits: Sociable, community-oriented, focused on harmony and group cohesion.
Behavior: Engages in social activities, promotes peace and unity within the group.
Sexual 9: The One-on-One
Traits: Intense, focused on deep, personal relationships.
Behavior: Seeks close, harmonious connections and avoids conflict within intimate relationships.
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Understanding the instinctual variants adds a deeper layer of insight into the Enneagram types. Each variant shapes how we interact with the world and influences our behaviors and motivations. By exploring your dominant instinct and how it interacts with your core type, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of yourself and how to achieve personal growth and fulfillment.
