1w2 vs 7w8: (A Comparative Analysis)

In this article, we will compare 1w2 vs 7w8 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 7w8

 If we consider  1w2 vs 7w8 and compare them, we find that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are good at problem-solving and are assertive in nature. 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 7w8 belongs to the thinking triad, has secondary characteristics of type 8, has a childhood conflict of nurturing deficiency, fears being deprived, and desires to be satisfied, fulfilled, and have multiple experiences.

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 7w8

Triad

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

Type 7w8 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, 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 7w8: ‘The Realist’

Type 7w8 has basic traits of type 7 and secondary traits of type 8 personality.  Type 7w8 is an aggressive personality in terms of the demands they make from others. They can be highly assertive and goal-oriented. They are driven to maintain an active lifestyle with a focus on achieving objectives.

Healthy versions of this subtype are enthusiastic and materialistic in the sense that they enjoy finer things in life. They are confident, assertive, and able to face challenges head-on. They also make good leaders due to their quick minds and business-like persistent attitude. Their approach is strategic and they make good use of available resources to get what they want. 

Average versions of this subtype are practical multi-taskers who can be workaholics but also seek enjoyable experiences. They are driven to accumulate fine and latest possessions to give out the message ‘I am worth it’. They enjoy travel, socialization but are not too needy in romantic relationships. Their approach is straightforward as they are clear about their needs and expectations, and can live alone as well. At times, they can be inconsiderate of the feelings and needs of other people with disregard for morality. Even in conflicts, they are more stimulated by confrontation than wanting to resolve them. Their enthusiasm and need for stimulation make it difficult for them to exercise self-control. Substance abuse is common among them.

Unhealthy versions of this subtype are both compulsive and anti-social. They get involved in dangerous situations and get a rush from living on the edge. Gambling, extreme intimate activity, and excessive money-spending deplete their resources. This is because they overestimate their power and wealth. Such people can be physically destructive and violent which can lead to a mental breakdown or even death. 

Examples of Type 7w8: John F Kennedy, Howard Stern, Malcolm Forbes

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.   

The core childhood conflict that makes type 7w8 the way they are is ‘Nurturing Deficiency’.This means that they felt that their childhood lacked nurturance usually from the mother figure. So, these personalities use distraction strategies to avoid facing their loneliness and anxiety.

Basic Fear: 1w2 vs 7w8

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

Type 7w8 fears being deprived.  They pursue multiple opportunities and avoid being limited by schedules and routines.

Basic Desire: 1w2 vs 7w8

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 7w8 desire to be satisfied and happy. So, they travel, go to parties and pursue different experiences. They defend themself by rationalizing their bad feelings and other people’s negative actions.

Strengths: 1w2 vs 7w8  

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 7w8 include the following:

  • Optimistic and energetic
  • Confident and charismatic
  • Assertive
  • Good crisis management skills

Weakness:1w2 vs 7w8

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 7w8 includes the following:

  • Can be materialistic
  • Difficulty following through with commitments
  • Can be impatient and blunt
  • Too career-focused

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 7w8 includes the following:

  • Being controlled
  •  Being alone for too long
  •  Strict schedules and excessive rules
  • Excessive Routine
  •  Spending energy on multiple things

Core Problems

Type 1w2 has common problems with repression and aggression.

Type 7w8 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 7w8 are energetic, calm, and good at multitasking.  They prefer to work in jobs that allow them freedom and practical orientation of things e.g. travel agent, travel writer, firefighter, paramedic, 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 6w5

1w2 vs 6w7

1w2 vs 7w6

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 7w8

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 7 personality?

Type 7 personality is social, fun-loving, creative, and productive. They fear a lack of nurturance. So, they turn to other people and things to keep themselves distracted. It is one of the types from the nine enneagrams.

What is Type 7w8?

Type 7w8 or Type 7 wing 8 is an enneagram personality subtype. It has core characteristics of type seven personality and complementary characteristics of type eight personality. 

Who are type 7 compatible with?

Type sevens are compatible with type nines.

Conclusion

In this article, we compared 1w2 vs 7w8. We found that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are good at problem-solving and are assertive in nature. 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 7w8 belongs to the thinking triad, has secondary characteristics of type 8, has a childhood conflict of nurturing deficiency, fears being deprived, and desires to be satisfied, fulfilled, and have multiple experiences.

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-7-wing-8

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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