Enneagram Misidentifications - Type 4

In this article, I will try to clear up some of the differences between Enneagram Type Four and the rest of the Enneagram types respectively. The comparison tables will be subject to modifications and additions as more information reveals itself.

I hope it will be a useful tool for people who have trouble mistyping or aren't sure of their type - I'm one of them too.

4 and 1

Mistyping frequency: rarely (usually unhealthy 1s mistype as 4s).

Four
Focus on feelings
Self-indulgent
Withdrawing from people
Whimsical
Changeable
Self-centered
Emotionally expressive
Empathetic
One
Focus on duties
Self-denying
Pushing people
Disciplined
Constant
Principled
Emotionally constrained
Judgmental


4 and 2


Mistyping frequency: sometimes (due to their emotionality).

Four
Withdrawn
Want to be rescued
Focus on self
Introspective
Individualists
Misunderstood
Introverted
Negative
Feel inferior
Ambivalent
Two
Engaging
Rescues
Focus on others
Unaware of self
Altruists
Understanding
Extroverted
Positive
Feel superior
Loving


4 and 3


Mistyping frequency: sometimes (generally 3w4 mistype as 4w3).

Four
Focus on feelings
Self-indulging
Introspective
Emotional
Socially unconfident
Different
Be themselves
Dramatize suffering
Negative self-image
Three
Focus on performance
Self-disciplined
Success-oriented
Detached
Socially confident
Adaptable
Be impressive
Minimize suffering
Positive self-image


4 and 5


Mistyping frequency: often (usually between 5w4 and 4w5).

Four
Artistic
Emotionally expressive
Subjective
Reactive
Inner pain
Identify with feelings
Welcome feelings
Romantic
Self-revealing
Melancholic
Five
Scientific
Emotionally restrained
Objective
Aloof
Inner emptiness
Detach from feelings
Bothered by feelings
Cerebral
Self-protective
Nihilistic


4 and 6


Mistyping frequency: sometimes (usually individualistic 6s mistype as 4s).

Four
Introverted
Loners
Creators
Ignore tradition
Politically neutral
Personal truth
Reclusive
Seek ideal love
Different & sensitive
Fantasy-prone
Six
Ambiverted
Affiliative
Performers
Relate to tradition
Politically inclined
Common values
Bonding
Seek security
Loyal & reliable
Anxiety-prone


4 and 7


Mistyping frequency: rarely (7w6 might resemble 4w3).

Four
Idealistic
Introverted
Moody
Loner
Sensitive
Focus on beauty
Impractical
Prefer fantasy
Precious
Melancholic
Pessimistic
Indulge in pain
Inhibited
Seven
Materialistic
Extroverted
Jovial
Outgoing
Insensitive
Focus on novelty
Practical
Prefer reality
Gluttonous
Fun loving
Optimistic
Flee from pain
Confident


4 and 8


Mistyping frequency: rarely (sx 4s can resemble 8s).

Four
Soft
Melancholic
Vulnerable
Indulge in fantasy
Self-loathing
Express emotions
Impractical
Refined
Eight
Tough
Pragmatic
Strong
Take action
Self-confident
Repress emotions
Practical
Rather coarse


4 and 9


Mistyping frequency: sometimes (they’re both withdrawn types).

Four
Intense
Idealize fantasies
Negative
Explore pain
Identify with emotions
Pessimistic
Conflictual
Misfit
Dark side
Authentic
Moody
Nine
Disengaged
Idealize reality
Positive
Deny pain
Detach from emotions
Optimistic
Avoid conflict
Merges with others
Bright side
Submissive
Easy-going

Comments

Anonymous said…
These are some good lists, which might be helpful to newcomers. You seem to have a good site here. I don't know if you're open to constructive criticism. If not, feel free to skip the rest of this post, but just something that stood out:

A lot of the information you put as either/or for each type are qualities that could co-exist quite comfortably in the same personality. For example, from the 4/6 distinction:

Creators vs Performers
A lot of creators could also be performers...performance artists, for example, playwrights that act in their own work, dancers that also enjoy painting and creative writing, etcetera.

Self Absorbed vs Political
A person could have strong political convictions and still be self-absorbed. One doesn't preclude the other.

Seek Ideal Love vs Seek Security
Someone could seek ideal love as a *source* of security. (I had a 6w7 friend for several years who did just that.)

The four/seven distinction is a bit better, but a lot of moody people are very enthusiastic, too ;-)

Anyhow, just something I thought I'd point out...
May 6, 2009 at 4:02 PM
INTP said…
Thank you for the feedback, I'll definitely consider it.

Of course if someone seeks ideal love in order to find security, they basically seek security.

Also if someone perfoms what they create, they're still basically creators.

But I do understand where you're coming from and will attempt to fix some of these issues.
May 7, 2009 at 3:22 AM
Johan Wennermark [Coaching | Life Coach | Jobcoach | Lean Six Sigma Coach] said…
I like this briefing, tomorrow i am coaching a 4 so it helps to check it further with coachee.
August 24, 2012 at 5:44 PM
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