Enneagram 101: Arrows Part 1—Stress Responses

by REV. RHONDA ABBOTT BLEVINS, DMIN

Author’s note: This article is part of a series entitled “Enneagram 101.”

Previous Post: “Enneagram Triadic Styles”

In previous articles, I’ve written about how each Enneagram type has two wings, the two adjacent types on the Enneagram circle. I’ve also described triadic styles, how each person relates to all three Enneagram centers: body, heart, and head. In this article, I want to point out the connections to other types along the inside of the Enneagram, either along the Enneagram’s inner triangle or the inner hexad.

ENNEAGRAM STRESS PATTERNS: The arrows in this diagram point in the direction of stress/disintegration.

Each Enneagram type is connected to two other types either along the triangle or the hexad. For instance, at Enneagram Five, there is a line connecting to Seven and another connecting to Eight. At Enneagram Nine, there are lines connecting to Three and Six. One of the connecting lines will be the direction of growth or integration. This is the pathway to wholeness. The other connecting line will be the direction of stress or disintegration—the behaviors that manifest in times of emotional turmoil or mental stress. If Enneagram type is accurately identified, it’s easy to predict what behaviors will manifest as a person moves toward health and integration, as well as some self-defeating behaviors that may show up in times of uncertainty or stress. These movements of the personality in stress are defense mechanisms, ways that each type lets off some steam when the normal behavioral patterns aren’t getting the desired results.

Let’s start at the top of the Enneagram at Type Nine and look at the three types along the Enneagram’s triangle.

Type Nine, the “Peacemaker.” Usually laid back and complacent, Type Nine moves to Type Six, the “Loyalist,” under stress, taking on the anxiety and characteristic worry of Sixes. Nines can normally manage their stress by numbing out, minimizing their own wants and needs, and turning inward. When this tactic is insufficient, Nines turn to people and ideas that provide a sense of safety and security. The normally optimistic Nine may begin to complain. Doubts and pessimism may arise. And occasionally, the peace-loving Nine might even erupt in an angry outburst.

Type Six, the dutiful “Loyalist,” moves toward Type Three, the “Achiever,” in times of stress, becoming arrogant and competitive. Sixes under stress become more driven and prone to workaholism. They might try to be exemplary in some way to fit in or tout their own greatness to mask their doubt and insecurity. Projecting the right image becomes more important to a Six in times of uncertainty—looking the right way and saying the right things to win friends and gain social advantage.

Type Three, the “Achiever,” moves toward Type Nine, the “Peacemaker,” in times of stress. The normally focused and driven Three will become apathetic and disengaged from the stressful situation. Moving toward Type Nine is like an escape hatch from the relentless pursuit of success. The Three’s achievement orientation can sometimes create conflict, so moving toward Nine, the Three can slow down, back off, and become more diplomatic. When a Three chases success not aligned with his or her true desires, especially over long periods of time, this can result in hanging out at Nine in complacency and inefficiency.

That covers the triangle. Now let’s move to the stress patterns along the hexad, beginning with Type One.

Type One, the “Perfectionist,” moves toward Type Four, the “Individualist,” under stress. The methodical One will become sullen, moody, even irrational. Desiring to be free from burdens and responsibilities, the One may steal away into daydreams and escapism. Ones under stress feel like nobody gets them and that their hard work is unappreciated. Melancholy creeps in as well as withdrawal. The normally disciplined and self-controlled One takes on the stormy nature of a less healthy Four, complete with the drama and poutiness that comes with average Four-ness.

The stress pattern at Type Four, the Individualist” is toward Type Two. The normally aloof and detached Four will become clingy and needy at Two. They grow concerned about their relationships. They try maybe a bit too hard at connecting. They will emphasize their importance in the lives of others and seek attention and appreciation. Fours moving toward Two may become jealous and possessive of those they love. They will want credit for their good deeds and complain about being underappreciated.

At type Two, the “Helper,” the stress pattern is toward Type Eight, the “Challenger.” The relationship-oriented and sometimes needy Two becomes assertive and domineering. Becoming forceful and direct, the selfless helper displays their tougher side demanding attention or appreciation. Twos under stress may become argumentative, pointing out the many ways they have been wronged. This move toward Eight is the Two’s escape hatch from the compulsive need to be nice and helpful.

Type Eight, the “Challenger,” will move toward Type Five, the “Sage,” in times of stress. Normally confident Eights will hide away, becoming fearful and secretive at Type Five. Type Eight individuals will often take on more than they can handle, and when the pressure is too much, they will retreat from responsibilities and conflicts they’ve taken on and even created. Eights at Type Five are solitary, brooding, and information gathering. They need time and space to work out solutions before resuming action. Eights moving toward Five can become surprisingly quiet and detached. Minimizing their needs, they will often neglect self-care.

The “Sage,” Type Five, will move toward Seven, the “Adventurer,” under stress. Normally aloof Fives will become scattered and hyper. When normal patterns of detachment fail to bring desired results, Fives will jump into activity. Minds on overdrive, Fives grow restless and agitated, seeking an escape from fear and anxiety. Scattered thinking and doing leaves them busy but unsatisfied. They’ll crave stimulation from many and varied sources. They'll bounce around looking for something, anything, that will offer a measure of contentment.

Type Seven, the “Adventurer,” under stress, will move toward Type One, the “Perfectionist.” The hyper and scattered Seven will take on qualities of the perfectionistic One. Recognizing the need for focus, Sevens at Type One will discipline themselves and imagine that they’re the only ones who can do the job correctly. They place limits on themselves while simultaneously resenting those limits. The normally lighthearted Seven will take on an uncharacteristic seriousness. Sevens under stress, seek to educate others becoming enamored with their own opinions. They will grow impatient with those who move too slowly or exhibit any incompetence.

And the hexad is complete.

Recognizing our patterns under stress is helpful self-knowledge. Recognizing self-defeating behaviors is a first step in detaching from them. When we begin to realize that we have options for how to respond to stressful situations, we can choose healthier behaviors, become less fixated in our habits of personality, and find greater freedom.

Pretty cool, right?

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