1w2 vs 6w5 (A Comparative Analysis)

In this article, we will compare 1w2 vs 6w5 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 6w5

 If we consider  1w2 vs 6w5 and compare them, we find that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are ethical people who contribute to causes and care about their community. They take a stand for the rights of others, are good problem solvers, and can get detached from people sometimes. At the same time, they are different as well since type 1w2 belongs to the instinctive triad, has secondary characteristics of type 2, has a childhood conflict of self-judgment, fears immorality, and desires to stand for the rights of others. In contrast, type 6w5 belongs to the thinking triad, has secondary characteristics of type 5, has a childhood conflict of apprehension-mistrust, fears insecurity, and desires to be secure and safe.

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 6w5

Triad

Type 1w2 belongs to the instinctive triad. The positive and negative traits of these personalities are dominated by instinct. 

Type 6w5 belongs to the thinking triad. The positive and negative traits of these personalities are dominated by thinking.

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 6w5: ‘The Defender’

Type 6w5 has basic traits of type 6 and secondary traits of type 5 personality. Traits of type 5 and type 6 are in conflict i.e. ‘affiliation vs detachment from others’ yet both are seeking security. As a result, type 6w5 has both tendencies approaching and detaching. They are serious, ethical, and self-controlled people who can be passionate and outspoken when expressing their views.

Healthy versions of this subtype are organized, curious, perceptive, intellectual, and good speakers. They also make good educators. Fields of medicine, law, and engineering are good for them as they have established rules. They often contribute to causes, community service, and take a stand for the weak. Often, they are a spokesperson for less privileged people. These personalities possess good observational skills and perception which makes their foresight pretty strong. 

Average versions of this subtype can be anxious but mostly they try to sort it out on their own or may seek help from a mentor. They are strong, competitive, and emotionally inhibited people who like their privacy. They see the world as a dangerous place and may react aggressively upon perceiving any threat to their security. They struggle with trusting people and doubt their intentions.

Unhealthy versions of this subtype can be paranoid with regard to personal security. They can even turn to drugs or drinks to cope with their delusions, anxiety, cynicism, and feelings of inferiority. Their patterns can be self-destructive but they carefully hide it from others. Self-harm, taking ones life and violence can also take place.

Examples of Type 6w5: George Bush, Robert F. Kennedy, Diane Keaton, Bruce Springsteen

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 6w5 the way they are is ‘Apprehension and Distrust’. This means that they find it really hard to trust people and worry all the time due to it. They strive to look for answers or an authority figure that can give them a sense of stability or guidance.

Basic Fear: 1w2 vs 6w5

Type 1w2 fear immorality. Hence, they strive to make ethical choices.

Type 6w5 fear insecurity, instability, and losing guidance, which explains their skepticism.

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.

Basic Desire: 1w2 vs 6w5

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 6w5 desire to be secure and safe. This is exhibited by their protective nature and search for stable relationships. They often defend themself by projecting their feelings on other people which may increase their mistrust and feelings of lack of safety.

Strengths: 1w2 vs 6w5  

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 6w5 include the following:

  • Good problem solvers
  • Detail-oriented
  • Can work independently
  • Always in pursuit of knowledge

Weakness:1w2 vs 6w5

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 6w5 includes the following:

  • Withdraw from others
  • Struggle with expressing emotions
  • Difficulty controlling negative thinking
  • Others perceive them as aloof, detached, and cold

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 6w5 includes the following:

  • Making the wrong decisions
  • Feelings of rejection
  • Emotionally expressing themself
  • Unexpected changes

Core Problems

Type 1w2 has common problems with repression and aggression.

Type 6w5 has common problems with insecurity and anxiety.

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 6w5 are focused, hardworking, and cautious in their approach. They prefer to work in jobs that are safe, stable, and allow them to learn e.g.professor, biologist, chemist, banker, financial analyst, etc.

Other Enneagram type 1  comparisons

1w2 vs 1w9

1w2 vs 2w1

1w2 vs 2w3

1w2 vs 3w2

1w2 vs 3w4

1w2 vs 4w3

1w2 vs 4w5

1w2 vs 5w4

1w2 vs 5w6

1w2 vs 6w7

1w2 vs 7w6

1w2 vs 7w8

1w2 vs 8w7

1w2 vs 8w9

1w2 vs 9w1

1w2 vs 9w8

1w9 vs 1w2

1w9 vs 2w1

1w9 vs 2w3

1w9 vs 3w2

1w9 vs 3w4

1w9 vs 4w3

1w9 vs 4w5

1w9 vs 5w4

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 6w5

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 a Type 6 personality?

Type 6 personality is intellectual, reserved, and cautious. They fear a lack of safety or guidance. So, they try really hard to find trustworthy people and authority figures who can mentor them. It is one of the types from the nine enneagrams.

What is Type 6w5?

Type 6w5 or Type 6 wing 5 is an enneagram personality subtype. It has core characteristics of type six personality and complementary characteristics of type five personality. 

Conclusion

In this article, we compared 1w2 vs 6w5. We found that both personalities are similar as they are ethical people who contribute to causes and care about their community. They take a stand for the rights of others, are good problem solvers, and can get detached from people sometimes. At the same time, they are different as well since type 1w2 belongs to the instinctive triad, has secondary characteristics of type 2, has a childhood conflict of self-judgment, fears immorality, and desires to stand for the rights of others. In contrast, type 6w5 belongs to the thinking triad, has secondary characteristics of type 5, has a childhood conflict of apprehension-mistrust, fears insecurity, and desires to be secure and safe.

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-6-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

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