4w3 vs 4w5 (A 7 Point Guide)

In this guide we will be comparing two personality types on the EnneagramL 4w3 and 4w5. We will look at their respective strengths, weaknesses, sources of stress and motivation as well as how they function in interpersonal and occupational contexts.

4w3 vs 4w5:

Since 4w3s and 4w5s have the same core type on the Enneagram, there are a lot of similarities between the two. But their wings add a slight but significant difference to their personalities. 

The Enneagram is a personality system that determines personality based on basic fears and motivations. It delineates nine core personality types. A nine-point diagram is used to represent how these different types are linked to each other. These basic nine types are further subdivided into 27 personality types based on the wings that accompany each core personality type. 

According to the Enneagram, each personality type is paired with one of its neighbouring personality types. For example, type 4 is divided into 4w3 and 4w5. Because they have the same core, 4w3 and 4w5 have the same basic fear and motivation. The basic fear is of not making an impact on the world. Their basic motivation is to identify and develop a unique sense of identity. 

Type 4s are part of the Heart Triad on the Enneagram. They are introspective, feel deeply and have active imaginations. Authenticity is something 4s value above all else. Their emotional intelligence and creativity are their most noticeable traits. 4w5s are part of the Heart as well as the Mind triad, which leads to a unique combination of traits.

Each personality type on the Enneagram receives a title that represents them. 4w3s receive the title of ‘The Aristocrat/ Enthusiast’. Conversely, 4w5s receive the title of ‘The Bohemian/Free Spirit’. These titles indicate that there are subtle differences between both type 4s. 

Another area in which 4w3s and 4w5s differ is in their behaviour in states of disintegration vs integration. The diagram that is used to represent the nine Enneagram types has arrows pointing to each of the different personality types. These arrows denote where each of the nine types goes when in a state of integration or disintegration. 

Arrows that move away from a specific personality type indicate which other type they resemble when under stress. Arrows moving towards a specific type signify which other type they resemble when in a state of health. Thus disintegration occurs during periods of stress, while integration represents the healthiest version of each personality type. 

When moving in a state of disintegration Type 4s resemble unhealthy type 2s. The normally detached 4 becomes highly dependent and obsessive in relationships. On the other hand, when moving in a state of integration, the characteristically jealous and reactive 4s become stable and objective. Thus, they resemble healthy type 1s. 

In addition to the general behaviours of type 4s during integration and disintegration, there are also specific behaviours or 4w3s and 4w5s. 4w3s in a state of integration are an endless source of creative ideas…and they actually carry them through. The 3 wing allows them to translate their fantasies into reality. 

Their three wing provides 4w3s with a certain pragmatism and a drive to achieve their goals. 4w3s are also a lot more extroverted than most other type 4s. When in dysregulation, 4w3s become obsessed with their public image and validation from others. Anger and competitiveness are also characteristic of 4w3s in disintegration. 

On the other hand, 4w5s combine the Heart and Mind triad. The type 5 rationality is complemented by the emotional type 4 in the 4w5. This combination makes 4w5s in integration empathetic and good at reflecting on their experiences in an objective manner. 

4w5s are usually introverts showing incredible wisdom and sensitivity when it comes to people and relationships. When in stress, 4w5s can become eccentric and overly emotional. 4w5s in disintegration withdraw from the external world and feel misunderstood. 

4w3s tend to be more in touch with the outside world which can make them appear more sociable and glamorous than 4w5s. Thus, 4w3s are good at predicting what their audiences like and ‘sell’ themselves accordingly. 4w5s tend to distance themselves from the world and are often lost in their fantasy worlds. 4w5s are a lot more self-motivated than 4w3s, preferring to follow personal rather than societal standards and ideals. 

Both 4w3s and 4w5s are highly likely to become celebrities. But while 4w3s focus on joining or establishing their own trends, 4w3s find their own niche that only a select few are privy to. 4w5s usually work in isolation and based on creative impulse. On the other hand, 4w3s are a lot more conscientious and persistent. 4w5s also tend to deal with darker subjects in their work than 4w3s. 

Strengths of 4w3:

• Self-awareness
• Tuned into others preferences, needs and motivations
• Creative 
• Genuine and authentic 

Strengths of 4w5:

• Staying true to themselves 
• Curious and knowledgeable 
• Introspective 
• Creative 
• Objective and balanced thinkers 
• Intellectual 

Weaknesses of 4w3:

• Emotionally reactive during stress
• Obsessed with social image
• Self-doubt 
• Excessive desire for validation 
• Grandiose sense of self 

Weaknesses of 4w5:

• Withdraw from others
• Difficulty with practical problems 
• Self-centeredness 
• Difficult with 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.

Sources of Stress for 4w3:

• Failure and disappointment 
• Prevention of self-expression 
• Interpersonal conflict

Sources of Stress for 4w5:

• Inability to express themselves 
• Too much time with others 
• Superficial and casual conversation 
• Being rejected or feeling isolated

Sources of Motivation for 4w3:

• Achieving personal or professional goals 
• Being validated by others 
• Awareness of own emotions 
• Self-expression through art 

Sources of Motivation for 4w5:

• Time to reflect and introspect 
• Deeper understanding of the world 
• Artistic expression 
• Feeling accepted by others 

4w3s at Work:

The combination of type 3 and 4, makes 4w3s creative and ambitious. They like to work in environments that allow them to engage with others and achieve their potential. They enjoy expressing themselves, particularly through art. 

Jobs that suit 4w3s include:  artist, photographer, stylist, music/dance teacher, journalist, motivational speaker, performer, writer. 

4w5s at Work:

4w5s need independence and the opportunity to express themselves at work. They prefer to work alone at their own time and pace. 

Jobs that would suit 4w5s include: artist, architect, graphic designer, videographer, musician, actor, writer, librarian. 

4w3s in Relationships:

Although most type 4s are introverts, the 3 wing of 4w3s draws this personality type out of their shells and into the centre of social settings. They are highly self-aware and empathetic that helps them have good relationships. 

They are good at predicting others reactions and use it to their advantage in social situations. However, they have a tendency to feel as though others don’t understand them or love them enough. 

4w5s in Relationships:

4w5s are more withdrawn than 4w3s. They are easily overwhelmed in the presence of others. One reason for the social withdrawal of 4w5s is their fear of rejection. They prefer deep and intellectual discussions and find it difficult to engage in small talk. 

However, 4w5s have an extraordinary perceptiveness and understanding of the world around them. They are usually self-assured and accept themselves completely, both their strengths and weaknesses.

Compatibility between 4w3 and 4w5:

Personality type can determine the compatibility of partners in any kind of relationship. Because two type 4s share similar qualities they have a special bond. A lot of type 4s feel misunderstood by most people, and another type 4 who understands them can mean a lot. 

Both partners are highly sensitive to each other’s emotional needs and don’t shy away from deep psychological issues that arise in the relationship. Two 4s are good at encouraging each other’s creative and artistic efforts, although both partners tend to neglect the practical demands of a relationship such as child rearing. 

However, because both type 4s are so focused on their own emotional needs they tend to neglect those of their partners. The high need for succour of type 4s can make them despise the same need in their partners. This often devolves into a ‘who is more damaged’ competition between both partners. 

Two 4s can become easily annoyed by each other’s quirks and sensitivities. Additionally, type 4s find it very hard to trust other people, which can further hamper their relationship. When tension rises in the relationship, both type 4s tend to withdraw and become moody. Arguments between two type 4s can easily spiral out of control, which can become fatal to the health of their relationship. 

Conclusion: 

In this guide we examined the differences and similarities between 4w3 and 4w5 personality types. We covered their respective strengths, weaknesses, sources of stress and motivation as well as how the function at work and in relationships. Additionally, we examined their compatibility when in a relationship. 

If you’ve enjoyed the ”4w3 vs 4w5” mentioned above, I would recommend you to take a look at ”4w3 vs 3w4 personality types” too.

FAQ on ‘4w3 vs 4w5 (A 7 Point Guide)’:

References: 

Enneagram 4w3 vs. 4w5

The Differences between 4w3 and 4w5 (Enneagram Wings)

Enneagram Type 4w3 – The Enthusiast (crystalknows.com)

Enneagram Type 4w5 – The Free Spirit (crystalknows.com)

https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-4