If you already know your Enneagram type, you might find it helpful to see how your type generally responds in times of stress and growth. If you are unsure of your type, try reading below to see if you can identify the traits that you demonstrate. This process can help you on the journey of personal growth and understanding.
Within the Enneagram System, every number directly connects to two other numbers with a line of growth and stress. This line represents the characteristics each type exhibits during times of stress and growth, or in other words, disintegration and integration. Some enneagram symbols use lines with an arrow to connect corresponding numbers. The number an arrow faces illustrates the direction a number moves toward in times of stress and growth.
Enneagram Stress And Growth
At first glance, the Enneagram Structure can seem confusing without understanding what each line represents and its representation on the chart. Keep reading to help you better understand how each type responds while under stress or experiencing growth. You will also discover the number each type goes to during disintegration or integration.
To help make your study about enneagram disintegration and integration a little easier, remember the following:
- Every number exhibits characteristics of another number in times of stress and growth
- Understanding how you respond in times of stress and growth can provide greater self-awareness
- Learning more about the numbers your type connects with can broaden your ability to redirect your emotions and habits
Enneagram 1 Stress And Growth
Commonly known as the perfectionist type or the reformer, Enneagram ones feel they need to constantly change and improve the world around them. They have exceptional qualities such as a deep desire to make the world a better place; however, they also have deep-rooted anger that can quickly change their emotion.
Ones are connected to type seven and type four. Depending on the situations around them, they will begin to take on traits of these types.
Image Credit: Enneagram Institute
Enneagram 1 In Stress
During periods of stress, type ones will begin to take on qualities of type fours. They become more critical and judgemental of themselves and those around them. This attribute will cause them to resent those who are having fun around them. They also will start to be more sensitive to the criticism given to them, especially negative criticism. During times of stress, type ones will become the worst critics.
Enneagram 1 In Growth
Seeing the good things in the world is a trait that type one exhibits during periods of growth. During periods of growth and security, type ones will begin to take on qualities of type sevens. They will become more fun and spontaneous. Self-acceptance will be in abundance during periods of growth. They will want to try new things and be open to many new and exciting opportunities.
Enneagram 2 Stress And Growth
Type Twos are known as the Helpers. Their biggest motivation and desire is to feel needed and appreciated by those they love and care for. Twos are warm and caring, which gives them many opportunities and relationships with others. Their most significant downfall is their pride. They feel as though they know what is best for everyone around them.
Twos are connected to type eight and type four. Depending on the situations around them, they will begin to take on traits of these types.
Image Credit: Enneagram Institute
Enneagram 2 In Stress
During periods of stress, twos will take on qualities of type eights. This quality will make them more demanding, manipulative, and controlling. They will shift the blame for the situation to others around them. They may also go through the past and point out previous wrongs made in the past.
Enneagram 2 In Growth
During periods of growth and security, twos will take on qualities of fours. This attribute will allow two’s to realize that self-care is good and not an act of selfishness. As they love themselves, they will know it is not required to pretend to love everyone around them.
Enneagram 3 Stress And Growth
Type threes are commonly known as Performers. Type threes are driven by success and aim for high productivity. Type threes strive to be successful or have the appearance of success. Because of this need to always have an appearance of success, type threes have a great downfall of deceit. They are very goal-oriented and have high enthusiasm for success.
Threes are connected to type nine and type six. Depending on the situations around them, they will begin to take on traits of these types.
Image Credit: Enneagram Institute
Enneagram 3 In Stress
During periods of stress, threes will take on qualities of nines. It will cause them to lose energy, in turn losing motivation. They will begin to busy themselves with work rather than work on something productive.
Enneagram 3 In Growth
During periods of growth and security, threes will begin to take on qualities of sixes. They will become warmer individuals, closer in touch with their emotions. They will start to act stronger towards the desire to connect with loved ones. Threes will want to do what is best for the group.
Enneagram 4 Stress And Growth
Fours are commonly known as the Romantics or the Individualists. Fours are motivated to feel and be remarkable. They want to be understood by those around them. Fours have big feelings and want to be free to experience these. Due to their big emotions, they can easily dictate their decisions and feelings. Creativity and moodiness are common characteristics of fours. Their greatest desire is to be understood for who they truly are. Fours can easily fall into the trap of envy.
Fours are connected to type two and type one. Depending on the situations around them, they will begin to take on traits of these types.
Image Credit: Enneagram Institute
Enneagram 4 In Stress
During periods of stress, fours will often take on the qualities of twos. They will become excessively dependent on others while hiding their own needs. They crave and need attention from others and those around them. During stress, fours will want reassurance and care from loved ones in their lives.
Enneagram 4 In Growth
During periods of growth and security, fours will begin to take on qualities of type ones. Discipline will allow them to finish their creative ideas and dreams. They can complete those creative ideas and make them a reality. Fours will be more connected to the present and centered during periods of growth. They can also control their emotions, not always needing to act on each emotion they experience.
Enneagram 5 Stress And Growth
Fives are often known as Investigators because they seek to gain extensive knowledge. Fives typically conserve energy to avoid relying on others for help and aid. Fives tend to withhold their love and affection towards others.
Fives have the potential to become very self-sufficient and capable of logical thought. Fives greatest desire in life is to be competent and independent. They do not want to depend on someone else for their needs or wants. Most likely due to this desire, their greatest downfall tends to be greed.
Fives are connected to type seven and type eight. Depending on the situations around them, they will begin to take on traits of these types.
Image Credit: Enneagram Institute
Enneagram 5 In Stress
During periods of stress, fives tend to take upon themselves qualities of sevens, including exhibiting clingy traits. These attributes arise out of their need for safety. Stress causes fives to become distracted quickly and disorganized. They also become more condescending and frivolous. Fives become very selfish and self-concerned during high-stress situations.
Enneagram 5 In Growth
During periods of growth and security, fives may begin to take on qualities of eights. They may focus on positive change and making a difference in the world around them while supporting the efforts of others as well.
Enneagram 6 Stress And Growth
Sixes are known as Loyalists. They are committed, witty, and practical. They have an overwhelming need for security in their lives. Sixes are loyal but struggle with trusting others and themselves—also, fear and anxiety are common emotions that type sixes experience. Sixes will turn to authority figures in the world to find the security they so desperately crave.
Sixes are connected to type three and type nine. Depending on the situations around them, they will begin to take on traits of these types.
Image Credit: Enneagram Institute
Enneagram 6 In Stress
During periods of stress and hardship, sixes will take on the qualities of threes. They will show off an image of themselves to the world of having it all together while becoming workaholics. Sixes are afraid of not being successful and will not attempt new things unless they are optimistic they will succeed at the activity.
Enneagram 6 In Growth
Sixes are more accepting during development. During periods of growth and security, sixes become more like nines. They release anxiety and trust themselves more than authority figures in their lives. Sixes can become more easy-going and light-hearted people during times of growth. They are also able to view life differently from multiple different angles.
Enneagram 7 Stress And Growth
Type sevens are the Enthusiasts or the Epicures. Sevens are motivated to avoid pain and sadness and find fun and happiness. Sevens are adventurous and spontaneous and love to plan new and exciting things. Sevens have difficulty finding satisfaction, always wanting the next best and most fun thing in their lives. Their biggest fear is experiencing a state of negativity or pain.
Sevens are connected to type one and type five. Depending on the situations around them, they will begin to take on traits of these types.
Image Credit: Enneagram Institute
Enneagram 7 In Stress
Stress causes sevens to have a black-and-white outlook on life. During periods of stress, type sevens usually begin to take on qualities of ones. They lose their upbeat and fun outlook on life, becoming more pessimistic. Sevens will be argumentative and blame those around them.
Enneagram 7 In Growth
During periods of growth and security, sevens become more like fives. They experience life on a deeper level. Sevens can be more comfortable being alone with themselves in silence. It is easier to find their meaning and purpose in life during periods of growth and security.
Enneagram 8 Stress And Growth
Eights are the Challengers of the Enneagrams. Eights are motivated by an intense desire to feel strong. They fear the idea of being weak or vulnerable in life situations. They are not afraid to speak with what is on their mind, direct and assertive. Eights often expect those around them to exemplify the same directness. Eight’s greatest desire is to lead people towards reaching their potential and fighting unjust things. Despite all the fantastic qualities eights exhibit, their greatest downfall is the lust they commonly have for them.
Eights are connected to type five and type two. Depending on the situations around them, they will begin to take on traits of these types.
Image Credit: Enneagram Institute
Enneagram 8 In Stress
During periods of stress, eights can exemplify the qualities of fives. They will become disconnected from their emotions. Eights can become secretive, not wanting people to get too close to them. They also neglect self-care activities and practices when stuck in stressful situations.
Enneagram 8 In Growth
During periods of growth and security, eights will take upon themselves qualities of twos. They will begin to trust more in things bigger than themselves. They will stop having so much anxiety about showing their emotions to others around them. This growth will allow them to receive care and love from those close in their lives.
Enneagram 9 Stress And Growth
Nines are often the Peacemakers in different situations of life. Motivated by peace, nines easily merge with others and do all they can to avoid conflict. Nines are often easy-going and laid back. They hate the idea of conflict, avoiding this at any cost.
They may have difficulty taking care of their priorities, worried it might cause conflict. They can struggle as decision-makers, not wanting to upset anyone who will not get their way based on their decision. Their greatest desire is peace and harmony in all aspects of their life.
Nines are connected to type six and type three. Depending on the situations around them, they will begin to take on traits of these types.
Image Credit: Enneagram Institute
Enneagram 9 In Stress
During periods of stress, nines can take on sixes’ qualities, which cause them anxiety. They will become overcommitted and rigid. They doubt themselves in many aspects of their lives. They can become very reactive to stressful situations.
Enneagram 9 In Growth
During periods of growth and security, nines can take on qualities from type threes. They will take command of their life and become better decision-makers. Nines become more self-confident and accepting of their existence in life during periods of growth.
Understanding how you respond to stress and growth can help you quickly identify aspects of your life to build better habits and thoughts. Do you want to continue learning more about your type and how you connect to other numbers, such as your wings? Check out the post, All 18 Enneagram Wings | Helpful Descriptions for Every Type.
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