In this article, we will compare 1w2 vs 4w5 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 4w5
If we consider 1w2 vs 4w5 and compare them, we find that they share similarities as well as differences but their differences dominate their similarities. Both personalities are similar as they want to make a difference in the world and they both engage in problem-solving.
They are different as well as type 1w2 belongs to the instinct triad, has secondary characteristics of type 2 personality, has a childhood conflict of self-judgment, fears immorality, and desires to stand for the rights of others. They are quite people-oriented. In contrast, type 4w5 belongs to the feeling triad, has secondary characteristics of type 5 personality, has childhood conflict of identity confusion, fears having no impact/influence, and desires to be unique and different. They are quite withdrawn from people and spend more time thinking about ideas.
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 4w5
Triad
Type 1w2 belongs to the instinctive triad. The positive and negative traits of these personalities are dominated by instinct.
Type 4w5 belongs to the feeling triad. The positive and negative traits of these personalities are dominated by feelings
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 4w5: ‘The Bohemian’
Type 4w5 has basic traits of type 4 and secondary traits of type 5 personality. Both types influence such individuals to withdraw and protect their feelings. These people are observant, intellectual, original, and insightful. They have a degree of social insecurity and can be inconsistent in their work at times.
Healthy versions of this subtype are creative with a high degree of emotional awareness and intellectual comprehension. They are attracted to arts and social sciences since they are interested in understanding human behavior. Such types do not care deeply about the opinions of others and do what they feel like doing. Their self-expression is original, authentic & unique and they create things more for themselves than for their audience.
Average versions of this subtype are self-absorbed in philosophy and religion. Their emotions are dominant than their intellect but both are equally profound. Such types shy away from social connections and spend time alone. Their artistic expression is original and unique. At times, they have insights that are out of this world. Consequently, people find them independent, eccentric, and unconventional.
Most of their time is spent thinking and keep their thoughts private. Even their creative ideas are unique, symbolic, and unusual. So, they keep their communication limited to only those who can understand them, as expressing their vision no matter what it is, is important for them. Generally, they like a simple lifestyle but at times they can be eccentric too.
Unhealthy versions of this subtype spend their time daydreaming, fantasizing, and in self-doubt. Their inner world is scary and has a self-denying feel to it. Especially as their existential problems are incapacitating. Although they are aware of their problems but often they get lost in the negative emotions. Fatigue, Depression, hopelessness, and nihilistic tendencies are common in them. What makes matters difficult is that they deny help from others and continue to be alienated. Their distorted thinking especially phobias, hallucinations, etc. are based on self-hatred and they can easily start feeling that life is meaningless. Due to this, they are at high risk of having depression and schizophrenia.
Examples of Type 4w5: Virginia Woolf, Johnny Depp, Bob Dylan
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 4w5 struggle with self-love and figuring out who they are. They think that something is wrong with them and no one loves them. So, they work to figure out their identity. Core childhood conflict that makes type 4w5 the way they are is ‘Misunderstanding and identity confusion’.
Basic Fear: 1w2 vs 4w5
Type 1w2 fear immorality. Hence, they strive to make ethical choices.
Type 4w5 fear not being able to have an impact or influence. Although they are private but they need admiration and want to be recognized by others.
Basic Desire: 1w2 vs 4w5
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 4w5 desire to be unique in terms of identity. They try to do that by being creative and figuring out who they are At times, they withdraw from others and adapt to their loved one’s qualities/traits.
Strengths: 1w2 vs 4w5
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 4w5 include the following:
- Curious, inquisitive and have a high drive for knowledge
- Want to stay authentic
- Can connect with their ‘Self’ at a deeper level
- Creative
- Good problem solvers
Weakness:1w2 vs 4w5
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 4w5 includes the following:
- Often withdraw from others
- Can lose grip on real-world problems
- Engage in overthinking
- Struggle to follow rules and orders
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 4w5 includes the following:
- Spending time with others
- Casual conversations
- Lack of understanding
- Rejection and isolation
Core Problems
Type 1w2 have common problems with repression and aggression.
Type 4w5 have common problems with feelings of hostility and identity confusion.
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 4w5 are deep thinkers who strive for insightful self-expression. They like spending time with books than people which explains their inquisitive and insightful nature. They prefer to work in jobs that allow them to think and express their creativity e.g. artists, writers, actors, librarians, etc.
Other Enneagram type 1 comparisons
1w2 vs 2w1
1w2 vs 2w3
1w2 vs 3w2
1w2 vs 3w4
1w2 vs 4w3
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 4w5
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 4w5?
Type 4w5 or Type 4 wing 5 is an enneagram personality subtype. It has core characteristics of type four personality and complementary characteristics of type five personality.
Who are type 4 compatible with?
Type fours are compatible with type fives and nines.
Conclusion
In this article, we compared 1w2 vs 4w5. We found that they share similarities as well as differences but their differences dominate their similarities. Both personalities are similar as they want to make a difference in the world and they both engage in problem-solving.
They are different as well as type 1w2 belongs to the instinct triad, has secondary characteristics of type 2 personality, has a childhood conflict of self-judgment, fears immorality, and desires to stand for the rights of others. They are quite people-oriented. In contrast, type 4w5 belongs to the feeling triad, has secondary characteristics of type 5 personality, has childhood conflict of identity confusion, fears having no impact/influence, and desires to be unique and different. They are quite withdrawn from people and spend more time thinking about ideas.
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-5
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