In this article, we will compare 1w2 vs 4w3 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 4w3
If we consider 1w2 vs 4w3 and compare them, we find that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are people-oriented and social. They strive to make a difference in the world and are attentive to the feelings/needs of others. Both also engage in self-doubt and are overly concerned about their self-image.
Both personalities 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. In contrast, type 4w3 belongs to the feeling triad, has a childhood conflict of misunderstanding and identity confusion, has secondary characteristics of type 3 personality, fears insignificance, and desires to be unique.
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 4w
Triad
Type 1w2 belong to the instinctive triad. The positive and negative traits of these personalities are dominated by instinct.
In contrast, type 4w3 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, 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 4w3: ‘The Aristocrat’
Type 4w3 has basic traits of type 4 and secondary traits of type 3 personality. Such people are emotionally volatile since type 4 and type 3 have completely opposite traits. This makes type 4w3 extremely conflicted, conscious of self-image, and self-esteem.
Healthy versions of this subtype are social, ambitious, and creative. They strive to leave their mark in the world. They know who they are and who they aspire to be. So, they keep themselves involved with people to achieve that. They are social, goal-oriented, creative, and adapt according to their audience. They are also sensitive and have a good sense of humor.
Average versions of this subtype are also concerned about their self-image but they can grow out of it if helped. These people conceal their emotional vulnerabilities and project a favorable image on others. They are motivated to make something of themself but are fearful of rejection, insult, and humiliation. Their underlying need for attention and admiration pushes them to behave dramatically, narcissistically, and sometimes in an exhibitionistic manner. They keep themselves surrounded with finer things and finer people as close association with ‘high class’ makes them feel sophisticated. Their need to please others makes them responsive to critique and suggestions but it can also cause resentment towards others.
Unhealthy versions of this subtype are isolated from others. They are depressed people who can be hostile and malicious out of the envy of others. Jealousy is a fairly common experience among them which leads them to exploit others. Yet, later on, they feel ashamed and punish themselves quite harshly. In short, their pattern is that they contemplate ruining others but never act on it and punish themselves due to guilt later. Hence, their aggression is directed inwards. taking their life and crimes of passion can happen in the case of such individuals.
Examples of Type 4w3: Michael Jackson, Prince, Judy Garland
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 4w3 the way they are is ‘Misunderstanding and identity confusion’. This means that they believe that no one likes them for who they are. So, they try to prevent that by trying to figure out their real identity.
Basic Fear: 1w2 vs 4w3
Type 1w2 fear immorality. Hence, they strive to make ethical choices.
Type 4w3 fear being insignificant and often express it by saying they are unique or distinct from others.
Basic Desire: 1w2 vs 4w3
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 4w3 desire to be different and unique in terms of identity. They try to do that by being creative and expressing themself through art. At times, they adopt other people’s characteristics in their attempts of trying to be more authentic.
Strengths: 1w2 vs 4w3
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 4w3 include the following:
- Creative
- Efficient
- Genuine and authentic
- In tune with themself
- Understand the feelings of others
Weakness:1w2 vs 4w3
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 4w3 includes the following:
- Overly-concerned about self-image
- Engage in self-doubt and insecurity
- Need approval of others
- Exhibit emotional reactions in stress
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 4w3 includes the following:
- Interpersonal conflict
- Failure
- Disappointing others
- Being alone
- Struggling to express themself
Core Problems
Type 1w2 have common problems with repression and aggression.
Hostility and identity issues are problems type 4w3 struggle with.
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 4w3 are creative, ambitious, and express themselves through means of art. They prefer to work in jobs that allow them to be creative and form connections with others e.g. artists, music teachers, journalists, photographers, etc.
Other Enneagram type 1 comparisons
1w2 vs 4w5
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 4w3
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 4 personality?
Type 4 personality is social, creative, and expressive. They fear being unwanted by loved ones and experience identity confusion. So, they try really hard to figure out who they are to prevent that from happening. It is one of the types from the nine enneagrams.
What is Type 4w3?
Type 4w3 or Type 4 wing 3 is an enneagram personality subtype. It has core characteristics of type four personality and complementary characteristics of type three personality.
Who are type 4 compatible with?
Type fours are compatible with type fives and nines.
Conclusion
In this article, we compared 1w2 vs 4w3. We found that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are people-oriented and social. They strive to make a difference in the world and are attentive to the feelings/needs of others. Both also engage in self-doubt and are overly concerned about their self-image.
Both personalities 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. In contrast, type 4w3 belongs to the feeling triad, has a childhood conflict of misunderstanding and identity confusion, has secondary characteristics of type 3 personality, fears insignificance, and desires to be unique.
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-4-wing-3
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