1w2 vs 3w4: (A Comparative Analysis)
By
PsychReel
In this article, we will compare 1w2 vs 3w4 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.
1w2 vs 3w4
If we consider 1w2 vs 3w4 and compare them, we find that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are driven to work in people-oriented fields and are stressed by disappointing others and not meeting their expectations.
They are different as well. Since, type 1w2 belongs to the instinct triad, has a childhood conflict of self-judgment, has secondary characteristics of type 2 personality, fears immorality, and desires to stand up for the rights of others. They are more focused on people and their needs. In contrast, type 3w4 belongs to the feeling triad, has a childhood conflict of self-rejection, has secondary characteristics of type 4 personality, fears failure, and desires to be successful. They are more focused on achievement rather than people.
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 3w4
Triad
Type 1w2 belongs to the instinctive triad. The positive and negative traits of these personalities are dominated by instinct.
Type 3w4 belongs to the feeling triad. Feelings dominate the positive and negative traits of these personalities.
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, alcohol, intimacy 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 3w4: ‘The Professional’
Type 3w4 has basic traits of type 3 and secondary traits of type 4 personality. Type 3 influences this personality to be interpersonal but type 4 influences it to withdraw. As a result, people with this sub-type focus on achievement and less on being interpersonal and social. They are quiet, reserved, and have an artistic sense. They can be emotionally vulnerable but are restrained in their self-expression.
Healthy versions of this subtype are direct/ straight forward, self-aware, and able to grow emotionally. They can be creative and express it through style in their homes and outlook. Their focus is on intelligence over physical appearance in their self-image. They are drawn towards aesthetic and finer things in life. Generally, they are hard-working, strive to polish their skills, self-assured, introspective, and sensitive.
They can be competitive and often base their self-esteem on the success of their work. Accordingly, they also suppress their feelings, break under pressure upon making mistakes, and engage in self-critique. Failure scares them deeply. At times, people find them moody, aloof, narcissistic, arrogant, and exhibiting show-off behavior but in a subtle way.
Unhealthy versions of this subtype alternate between self-doubt and inflated ego. They can shut themselves out emotionally and physically. Although they do come out of it with a new purpose but often fall back to it later. Such people can be self-destructive and suicidal when frustrated with life.
Examples of Type 3w4: Sting, Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise
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.
Type 3w4 seek out people to get validation and admiration especially from those who are successful. Doing this leaves them fearful of rejection and being seen as a loser. Without validation, they feel empty and hostile for not being valued. In short, their sense of worth is based on how much success they achieve. Their core childhood conflict that makes them the way they are is ‘Self-rejection’
Basic Fear: 1w2 vs 3w4
Type 1w2 fear immorality. Hence, they strive to make ethical choices.
Type 3w4 are afraid of failure, and not being loved. To avoid this, they work hard to succeed in their career to be validated for being worthy of love
Basic Desire: 1w2 vs 3w4
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 3w4 aspire to be successful and valued by others for their hard work and success. So, they act according to their audience and communicate effectively in order to be liked. However, they are often misunderstood.
Strengths: 1w2 vs 3w4
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 3w4 include the following:
- Pay attention to details
- Practical and efficient workers
- Strive to improve
- Aware of personal areas needing growth
- Can connect with other people
Weakness:1w2 vs 3w4
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 3w4 includes the following:
- Overly-concerned about professional success
- Engage in self-doubt
- Struggle to accept disappointment
- Being perceived as over-confident by others
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 3w4 includes the following:
- Self-doubt
- Concerned about bad image
- Failure
- Disappointing others
- Feeling disconnected from others
Core Problems
Type 1w2 have common problems with repression and aggression.
Hostility and identity issues are problems for type 3w4.
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 3w4 are creative, reflective, hardworking, authentic, and charismatic. They prefer to work in jobs that allow them to succeed and grow e.g. architects, politicians, investment bankers, etc.
Other Enneagram type 1 comparisons
1w2 vs 2w3
1w2 vs 3w2
1w2 vs 5w4
1w2 vs 5w6
1w2 vs 6w5
1w2 vs 6w7
1w2 vs 7w6
1w2 vs 7w8
1w2 vs 8w7
1w9 vs 1w2
1w9 vs 5w6
1w9 vs 6w5
1w9 vs 6w7
1w9 vs 7w6
1w9 vs 7w8
1w9 vs 8w7
1w9 vs 8w9
1w9 vs 9w8
FAQs: 1w2 vs 3w4
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 the Type 3 personality?
Type 3 personality is ambitious, social, and altruistic. They fear being unwanted by loved ones. So, they try really hard to be successful and accomplished individuals to prevent that from happening. It is one of the types from the nine enneagrams.
What is Type 3w4?
Type 3w4 or Type 3 wing 4 is an enneagram personality subtype. It has core characteristics of type three personality and complementary characteristics of type four personality.
Conclusion
In this article, we compared 1w2 vs 3w4. We found that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are driven to work in people-oriented fields and are stressed by disappointing others and not meeting their expectations.
They are different as well. Since, type 1w2 belongs to the instinct triad, has a childhood conflict of self-judgment, has secondary characteristics of type 2 personality, fears immorality, and desires to stand up for the rights of others. They are more focused on people and their needs. In contrast, type 3w4 belongs to the feeling triad, has a childhood conflict of self-rejection, has secondary characteristics of type 4 personality, fears failure, and desires to be successful. They are more focused on achievement rather than people.
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-3-wing-4
https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2020/03/10/the-childhood-wounds-of-every-enneagram-type/#
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