1w2 vs 8w7: (A Comparative Analysis)

In this article, we will compare 1w2 vs 8w7 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 8w7

 If we consider  1w2 vs 8w7 and compare them, we find that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they belong to the instinctive triad and face common problems of repression & aggression. Both also make good leaders and strive to make a difference in the world At the same time, they are different as well since type 1w2 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 8w7 has secondary characteristics of type 7, has a childhood conflict of rejection of childhood, fears being controlled by an authority figure, and desires to rule their own life.

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 8w7

Triad

Type 1w2 and type 8w7 belong to the instinctive triad. The positive and negative traits of these personalities are dominated by instinct. When these types are healthy, they can relate to their environment with great wisdom from within. Thus, they can become good leaders. When they are unhealthy, they are out of balance and find it difficult to relate to their environment and people. 

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 8w7: ‘The Maverick’

Type 8w7 has basic traits of type 8 and secondary traits of type 7. They are aggressive, assertive, strive for power & autonomy, straightforward, realistic, and of extroverted personality. Their behavior, nature, and manner of presentation are consistent across situations and people. They are honest, vocal, and action-oriented.

Healthy versions of this subtype are energetic, social, practical, and confident in personal and professional life. They like starting independent business projects and don’t leave any challenging opportunity behind that would allow a chance of professional growth. They have a zest for living life and supporting others to do the same which makes them leave an impact on others. 

Average versions of this subtype are driven to pursue their work and interests. They are grounded, materialistic, exaggerate to get people involved in their projects, big-spenders, and least concerned about what others think of them. They are like an open book. However, they can be dominating, impatient, bullying, and aggressive. Sometimes they manipulate others as well but do not feel guilty later. Money and security are two things they center their lives around. 

Unhealthy versions of this personality type are impulsive, rude, tyrannical, harsh, and easily violent. They are easily deluded into believing they are omnipotent and attack others at a moment’s notice. They also feel easily betrayed and act out/strike at any chance they feel threatened by someone. Their life motto is to destroy before others destroy you. 

Examples of Type 8w7: Donald Trump, Sean Connery, Ernest Hemingway, Muhammad Ali

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 8w7 the way they are is ‘Rejection of childhood’. This means that they try to be self-sufficient and have difficulty depending on others due to their difficult early experiences. They want to take care of their own self to avoid getting hurt or controlled by others again just like it happened in their childhood.  

Basic Fear: 1w2 vs 8w7

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

Type 8w7 fear being controlled by an authority figure which is why they prefer to work alone.

Basic Desire: 1w2 vs 8w7

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 8w7 desire to rule their own life and want others to be free as well which explains why they advocate or stand up for those who can’t. They pride the fact that they don’t rely on anyone. They deny their vulnerability and avoid situations that make them seem weak. 

Strengths: 1w2 vs 8w7  

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 8w7 include the following:

  • Inspirational leaders
  • Fair decision-makers supported by logic
  • Can connect with people
  • Can come up with innovative and positive plans
  • Verbally expressive 

Weakness:1w2 vs 8w7

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 8w7 includes the following:

  • Impatient
  • Over-indulgent
  • Insensitive with regard to feelings of others
  • Struggle to listen and follow authority figures

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 8w7 includes the following:

  • Connecting with own emotions
  • Feeling unimportant or out of control
  • Being perceived as controlling
  • Seeing a lack of action from others
  • Self-pity of others

Core Problems

Type 1w2 and type 8w7 have common problems with repression and aggression.

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 8w7 likes being action-oriented and are pretty dedicated to executing their goals. They  

prefer to work in jobs that support idealism and give them the authority to make a difference e.g. lawyer, politician, entrepreneur, financial advisor, 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 7w8

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 8w7

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 8 personality?

Type 8 personality is aggressive, assertive, and powerful. They fear being controlled by others and strive to be self-sufficient. It is one of the types from the nine enneagrams.

What is Type 8w7?

Type 8w7 or Type8 wing7 is an enneagram personality subtype. It has core characteristics of type eight personality and complementary characteristics of type seven personality. 

Conclusion

In this article, we compared 1w2 vs 8w7. We found that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they belong to the instinctive triad and face common problems of repression & aggression. Both also make good leaders and strive to make a difference in the world At the same time, they are different as well since type 1w2 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 8w7 has secondary characteristics of type 7, has a childhood conflict of rejection of childhood, fears being controlled by an authority figure, and desires to rule their own life.

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-8-wing-7

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

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!