In this article, we will compare 1w2 vs 2w1 personalities from the Enneagram types. We will do that by describing and comparing both personalities in-depth and see how these personalities are similar and different from each other based on their triad, traits, childhood conflict, basic fear, basic desire, strengths, weaknesses, core problems, source of stress, workstyle and preferred jobs.
Type 1w2 vs 2w1
If we consider 1w2 vs 2w1 and compare them, we find that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are driven by duty and obligation to serve others. They both contribute to causes ad are fair in their judgment. They put the needs of others above their own needs. Similarly, both are overly self-critical and stressed by receiving criticism from others
However, they both have differences as well as 1w2 has secondary characteristics of type 2 personality, has a childhood conflict of self-judgment, belongs to the instinct triad, has fear of immorality, and desire to be ethical and good. Compared to them, 2w1 have secondary characteristics of type 1 personality, has a childhood conflict of self-sacrifice, belongs to the feeling triad, fears being unwanted, and desires to be loved.
Enneagrams
Enneagrams are a map or typology of human personalities. It has its roots in spirituality, philosophy, and psychology. Multiple people contributed to its development among which George Ivanovich Gurdjieff, Oscar Ichazo, and Claudio Naranjo are the most prominent.
It is divided into nine personality types that are spread across 3 triads i.e. Feeling triad, Thinking Triad, or Instinctive Triad. It describes a person’s fundamental psychological orientation in the form of good or bad traits and sees which triad quality i.e. emotion, intellect or instincts is most characteristic of his or her personality. Basic Personality Type is the most characteristic of a person. Whereas wings add elements to the overall personality i.e. it is the second side of it.
A Comparison of 1w2 vs 2w1
Triad
Type 1w2 belongs to the instinctive triad. The positive and negative traits of these personalities are dominated by instinct. When these types are healthy, they can relate to their environment with great wisdom from within. Thus, they can become good leaders. When they are unhealthy, they are out of balance and find it difficult to relate to their environment and people.
Type 2w1 belongs to the feeling triad. The positive and negative traits of these personalities are dominated by feelings. When these types are healthy, their feelings make them distinct and admirable for their interpersonal qualities.When they are unhealthy, they are out of balance with respect to their emotions and are difficult to interact with at an interpersonal level.
Personality Overview and Example
Type1w2: ‘The Advocate’
Enneagram Type1w2 includes basic type one personality traits and complementary traits of type 2. Both types of traits support each other. These types of people have the drive to be good in accordance with values, are righteous, balanced, selfless, rational but also warm, action-oriented, thoughtful, compassionate, empathic, kind, and idealistic personalities with an interpersonal focus. They try to educate others, do the right thing, and feel like it’s their obligation.
One may find type 1w2 involved in reforms and public causes. Although these types have high self-control, they allow themselves channels of emotional expression. Yet, they can also be perfectionistic with a strict conscience and possibly have high self-satisfaction with doing the right thing. When they disagree about something, they are vocal about it and express their anger towards others for not following their suggestions.
It is hard for type1w2 to be criticized by others on their ideals. So, they may try to emotionally manipulate others into feeling guilty for doing so. Unconsciously, they may deceive themselves into believing they are being righteous even if they are not. A sense of entitlement is also prominent in them. During stressful situations, type1w2 turn to outlets against their core values e.g. drugs, drinks etc. Similarly, they may also have repressed aggression that exhibits indirectly through physical problems, conversion-like reactions, nervous breakdowns, or compulsive habits.
Example of type 1w2: Mahatma Gandhi.
Type 2w1: ‘The Servant’
Type 2w1 has basic traits of type 2 and secondary traits of type 1. Type two pushes these people to be emotional and interpersonal but type one emphasizes rationality and self-control. Thus, type 2w1 is empathic yet restrained. They strive for love through being good, selfless, and meeting other’s needs before their own. Sense of duty and obligation drives them to have a strong conscience and act according to principles of treating others fairly, no matter how bad they feel at the emotional level themself.
Healthy versions of this subtype can contribute a lot by different means like teaching, adding to philanthropic causes, improving lives, and working for charities. They have a sense of purpose and seriousness in doing this. They make good teachers as they can be rational but warm with good values, supportive, and encouraging.
Average versions of this personality empathize with others but in moderation with a hint of judgment of others on moral grounds. However, they are still driven to help others and find it hard to say no. They can be controlling of others and themself in the name of love. Being the center of attention embarrasses them due to which they try to be in the background. They can be highly self-critical and find it hard to express even their basic needs.
Unhealthy versions of this subtype are moralistic, rigid, and self-righteous. They deceive themselves into believing they are right on moral grounds but are actually highly critical of others. They deny their feelings of anger. Hypochondria, psychosomatic disorders, and OCD related to the body are common in such types.
Examples of Type 2w1: Mother Teresa, Lewis Carroll, Eleanor Roosevelt
Childhood Conflict
Core childhood conflict that makes type 1w2 the way they are is ‘self-judgment’. This means that they try to be their own worst critic so that by doing so they can prevent anyone from criticizing them. They are highly vigilant of any mistakes they make and abide by strict rules and ethics to justify their existence.
Core childhood conflict that makes type 2w1 the way they are is ‘Self-sacrifice’. This means that they put the needs of others before their own. They do this because their sense of worth is dependant on being loved. And being selfless and generous towards others is the only way to earn love for type twos.
Basic Fear: 1w2 vs 2w1
Type 1w2 fear immorality. Hence, they strive to make ethical choices.
Type 2w1 fear being unwanted by loved ones. They adopt a caretaker role to serve others to not feel insecure.
Basic Desire: 1w2 vs 2w1
Type 1w2 desire to fight for the rights of the weak and less fortunate. They are driven to make a difference in the world. Regarding emotions, they have a tendency to redirect their feelings in order to feel in control. This backfires at times when their emotions spill in the form of sudden external outbursts.
Type 2w1 desire to be loved and accepted. So they serve others, are helpful and humble. They repress their needs and emotions but feel internally conflicted for putting the needs of others ahead of their own.
Strengths: 1w2 vs 2w1
Strengths of type 1w2 include the following:
- Stand for the rights of others
- Sensitive towards the needs of others
- Try to serve humanity
- Engage in societal level problem solving
- Put the needs of others before their own
Strengths of type 2w1 include the following:
- Attentive to the needs of others
- Self-aware of personal areas needing improvement
- Supportive of others
- Focus on the present
Weakness:1w2 vs 2w1
The weakness of type 1w2 includes the following:
- Easily get frustrated
- Obsessive about self-image
- Can be overly controlling
- Critical of self and others
- Detached
The weakness of type 2w1 includes the following:
- Overly Self-critical
- Overly Self-sacrificial
- Need approval of others
- Find criticism from others hard
If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.
Source of Stress
Source of stress for type 1w2 includes the following:
- Receiving criticism from others
- Being unable to meet others needs
- Not living up to standards or expectations of others
Source of stress for type 2w1 includes the following:
- Criticism from others
- Not being able to help
- Self-induced guilt and shame
- Ignoring personal needs
Core Problems
Type 1w2 has common problems with repression and aggression.
Type 2w1 has common problems linked with identity and hostility.
Workstyle and job
Type 1w2 prefers to work in jobs involving human interaction with the possibility to serve others and impact the world positively e.g. judge, nurse, doctor, social worker, etc.
Type 2w1 are dedicated, selfless, and altruistic. They love contributing to a cause. They prefer to work in jobs that allow them to help others but also give them personal space to re-charge e.g. counselor, nurse, school psychologist, advisor, etc.
Other Enneagram type 1 comparisons
1w9 vs 6w5
1w9 vs 6w7
1w9 vs 7w6
1w9 vs 7w8
1w9 vs 8w7
1w9 vs 8w9
1w9 vs 9w8
FAQs: 1w2 vs 2w1
What is Type 1 personality?
Type 1 personality is rational, ethical, and highly principled. They fear immorality and strive to make ethical choices. They are driven to practice justice and equality.
What is Type 1w2?
Type 1w2 or Type1 wing2 is an enneagram personality subtype. It has core characteristics of type one personality and complementary characteristics of type two personality.
What is Type 2 personality?
Type 2 personality is altruistic, quiet, and want to alleviate human suffering. They fear being unwanted by loved ones. So, they try really hard to be helpful to prevent that from happening. It is one of the types from the nine enneagrams.
Conclusion
In this article, we compared 1w2 vs 2w1. We found that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are driven by duty and obligation to serve others. They both contribute to causes ad are fair in their judgment. They put the needs of others above their own needs. Similarly, both are overly self-critical and stressed by receiving criticism from others
However, they both have differences as well as 1w2 has secondary characteristics of type 2 personality, has a childhood conflict of self-judgment, belongs to the instinct triad, has fear of immorality, and desire to be ethical and good. Compared to them, 2w1 have secondary characteristics of type 1 personality, has a childhood conflict of self-sacrifice, belongs to the feeling triad, fears being unwanted, and desires to be loved.
I hope you found this article interesting. If you have any queries or comments, please state them in the comment section 😊
Citations
https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-1-wing-2
https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-2-wing-1
https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2020/03/10/the-childhood-wounds-of-every-enneagram-type/#
Personality Types – Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery by Don Richard Riso with Russ Hudson
The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson