In my opinion, the Levels of Development are the greatest contribution to Enneagram theory made by Don Riso and Russ Hudson. Most of the info on this page comes from their books Personality Types and Understanding the Enneagram. I have added my own ideas as well.
The Levels of Development describe a framework that exists within each personality type.
There are nine Levels of Development (not to be confused with the nine personality types). There are three levels in the "healthy" range (levels 1,2,3); three levels in the "average" range (levels 4,5,6); and three levels in the "unhealthy" range (7,8,9).
At each level, we employ different strategies to reinforce our identity
Level 1 | In the healthy range, we are not strongly identified with our identity. We are free to express ourselves through a wide range of behaviour. We believe that we can express and reinforce our identity through letting go of it and by acting in a manner consistent with it. | ||
Level 2 | |||
Level 3 |
Level 4 | In this range, some imbalance arises and their scope of concern narrows. We focus more on our identity and want others to see us a certain way. We use social roles, manipulation, and controlling others to reinforce our identity. | ||
Level 5 | |||
Level 6 |
Level 7 | In the unhealthy range, our focus is so narrowed on our identity that we often break with reality. We see ourselves in a way that is completely different from how others see us. | ||
Level 8 | |||
Level 9 |
At Level One we let go of our self-image. We no longer see ourselves in a narrow and incomplete way. We integrate the qualities rejected at Level Two and truly come to balance with ourselves. We realize that we in fact possess what we have always sought. Our basic desire arose at Level Two because we no longer see certain qualities within us.
Type One: Wise Realist |
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Desire & StrategyLets go of their forced goodness, order and attachment to self-image. |
BehaviourWise, Accepting, noble, pure, kind, realistic |
Type Two: Disinterested Altruist |
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Desire & StrategyLets go of forced love and attachment to self-image. |
BehaviourLoving Unconditionally, Altruism, humble, gracious, joyous, charitable |
Type Three: Authentic Person |
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Desire & StrategyLets go of forced value and self-image. |
BehaviourAuthentic, modest, genuine, charitable, contented |
Type Four: Inspired Creator |
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Desire & Strategy Lets go of their forced uniqueness and attachment to their self-image |
BehaviourProfoundly creative, expressing the personal and the universal |
Type Five: Pioneering Visionary |
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Desire & StrategyLets go of forced intelligence and attachment to their self-image |
BehaviourParticipating, knowing, clear-minded, comprehending |
Type Six: Valiant Hero |
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Desire & StrategyLets go of forced support outside of themselves and their self-image |
BehaviourExtremely trustworthy, emotionally open and bonded with others |
Type Seven: Ecstatic Appreciator |
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Desire & StrategyLets go of forced joy and the attachment to their self-image |
BehaviourCan fully appreciate and internalize the depth and meaning of their experiences. |
Type Eight: Magnanimous Heart |
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Desire & StrategyLets go of forced strength and their attachment to their self-image |
BehaviourCompassionate, empowering, yet gentle |
Type Nine: Self-Possessed Guide |
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Desire & StrategyLets go of forced peace and attachment to self-image. |
BehaviourIndependent, Dynamic, Self-aware, exuberant, serene |
At Level 2, we attain the full potential that our personality affords. Our personality is guided by a basic desire that serves as the driving motivation of most of our behaviour. This motivation remains largely intact (although sometimes distorted) throughout the levels.
At this stage, we begin to identify with certain qualities within ourselves. These qualities are seen as positive and we emphasize their presence within us. For example, Ones will stress their objectivity, their reason, and their moderation. We believe that by identifying with and exercising these qualities they will be able to attain their basic desire. For the most part, people at this level are very open minded and tolerant. However, these qualities begin to colour our view of the world. And although we have preferences at this level, we can act largely without bias.
A self-image therefore develops because we see ourselves incorporating these qualities. At this level, our self-awareness is very clear: the self-image is an accurate reflection of ourselves. We recognize our gifts, talents, and qualities and we trust in them. We define who we are based on the values with which we've identified. For example, a Two will identify with qualities of loving, caring, and compassion (among many others). Twos have a self-image that could be described as "I am a loving, caring person." Twos will continue to see themselves this way throughout the levels (although others may not see the Two in the same way).
By shifting their focus towards some of their qualities, they shift away from their other qualities. For example, Nines identify strongly with their qualities of inner peace, relaxation, being calm, etc. At the same time, Nines tend to distance themselves from their own qualities of assertion, being dynamic, voicing their opinions, standing up to others, etc. In order to focus and develop some qualities, other ones are overlooked and underdeveloped.
We see here that identification with certain qualities leads to a particular self-image. Not all of the qualities we possess are consistent with that self-image. Consequently, we must disregard or overlook some of our qualities in order to maintain a consistent sense of self. In other words, we tend to nurture some qualities at the expense of under-developing other ones. The shift of focus is subtle at this level, but it sets the stage for a stronger identification in the subsequent levels.
At level 2, we have focussed on a subset of our qualities. As soon as we identify with certain qualities, we immediately dis-identify with other ones. By defining who we are, we also define who we are not. This strategy begins to limit who we believe we are and we begin to shut our certain qualities that comprise our full human potential.
Type One: Reasonable Person |
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Basic Desire & Basic FearBasic Fear: being bad or corrupt |
BehaviourReasonable, Conscientious, There’s a sensible way of handling things |
Type Two: Caring Person |
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Basic Desire & Basic FearBasic Fear: being unloved and unwanted |
BehaviourLoving, Empathetic I care about you people |
Type Three: Self-Assured Person |
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Basic Desire & Basic FearBasic Fear: being worthless |
BehaviourDesirable, Adaptable I can be anything I want to |
Type Four: Self-Aware Intuitive |
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Basic Desire & Basic FearBasic Fear: having no identity or personal significance |
BehaviourSensitive, Introspective, I’ve got to be me. |
Type Five: Perceptive Observer |
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Basic Desire & Basic FearBasic Fear: being helpless and incapable |
BehaviourCurious, Fascinated, What’s going on here? |
Type Six: Engaging Friend |
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Basic Desire & Basic FearBasic Fear: having no support and guidance |
BehaviourReliable, Engaging, Can we be friends? What can I trust? |
Type Seven: Free-Spirited Optimist |
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Basic Desire & Basic FearBasic Fear: being deprived and trapped in pain |
BehaviourEnthusiastic, excitable, spontaneous, If life gives you lemons, you make lemonade |
Type Eight: Self-Confident Person |
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Basic Desire & Basic FearBasic Fear: being harmed or controlled by others |
BehaviourStrong, Self-Reliant, I am the master of my fate |
Type Nine: Receptive Person |
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Basic Desire & Basic FearBasic Fear: Loss of connection |
BehaviourPeaceful, humble, gentle, I won’t be knocked off balance |
At level 3 we form a stronger identification with our self-image. It is no longer sufficient to see ourselves in a certain way to counteract underlying anxieties. Instead, we desire to show others who we are to reinforce our self-image.
At this level, we relate to others primarily (but not exclusively) through our qualities and gifts. We want to share our talents and our abilities, believing that they will have a positive impact on those around us. We try to nurture in others the same qualities that we have identified with. We want to help, teach, and strengthen others to realize their full potential and we share in the delight of others' successes. For example, Eights at this level will try to empower others to be strong and independent. This form of mentoring is not imposed on others, we are simply acting with everyone's best interests in mind. In this manner, we contribute our gifts in a very constructive and beneficial way.
Despite a deep desire to show others who we are, we don't seek validation of our self-image from others. There’s no need to do so, because we know that our healthy behaviour is a direct manifestation of these qualities and stands on its own. Simply by expressing our self-image through action we reinforce our self-image. By interacting with others, we create and sustain relationships and support systems. We believe these relationships will help meet our needs.
At level 3, we are confident in our own ability to cope with the world. Not because we are proud or egotistical, but because we believe in our values. We believe they are the path to fulfillment and at this level we believe that expressing these qualities will make us feel fulfilled. However, we're not so attached to our self-image that we only see things one way. We're not afraid to be different or to question the status quo.
The self-esteem plays a role at this level. We begin to feel good about ourselves when we are behaving in a manner that's consistent with our self-image. At level 3, our qualities serve as a set of guiding principles that we apply to ourselves. As long as we follow these guidelines, we feel that we are good people.
Our behaviour at level 3 has become noticeably more limited than at the previous level. It isn't enough to think of ourselves in a certain way, we have to act in a certain way. The self-esteem reinforces these actions, because it makes us feel good when we act in that way. If we choose to behave differently, we may get anxious or less confident in ourselves.
Type One: Principled Teacher |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to act in accordance with their conscience and reason |
BehaviourRelate to others primarily by being responsible and principled |
Type Two: Nurturing Helper |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to do good things for others. |
BehaviourRelate to others primarily by giving, supportive |
Type Three: Outstanding Paragon |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to develop themselves |
BehaviourRelate to others primarily by self-improving, ambitious |
Type Four: Self-Revealing Individual |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to express their individuality to themselves and others |
BehaviourRelate to others primarily by creative, authentic |
Type Five: Focussed Innovator |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to master something to gain confidence |
BehaviourRelate to others primarily by being Inventive, exploratory |
Type Six: Committed Worker |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to create and sustain support/ security systems |
BehaviourRelate to others primarily by cooperative, committed |
Type Seven: Accomplished Generalist |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to do things which will insure that they will have what they need |
BehaviourRelate to others primarily by being prolific, realistic, versatile |
Type Eight: Constructive Leader |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to prove their strength through action or achievement |
BehaviourRelate to others primarily by leading, being decisive, providing |
Type Nine: Supportive Peacemaker |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to create and maintain peace and harmony in their environment |
BehaviourRelate to others primarily through supporting and mediating |
At Level 4, we become more attached to our self-image than at Level 3. We now believe that by striving after the qualities identified at Level 2, we will be able to meet our needs. We also tend to reject our qualities and behaviours that are not consistent with the qualities that we have identified with. The focus on our self-image comes at the price of narrowing our scope of concern.
An idealization of values/qualities takes place. Our worldview begins to polarize between two extremes: one of which is associated with our own values and qualities; the other is associated with our fears. For example, a type One at Level 4 will idealize values of organization, doing what’s right, hard work, etc. At the same time, they begin to fear disorganization, making mistakes, and not working hard enough.
Despite this polarization of values, there is still some middle ground. However, we have difficult time dealing with situations that fall in the gray area. For example, a type One at Level 4 often sees things in terms of good and bad. Ones deal with moral ambiguity by trying to adopt a firm stance – it’s difficult to accept and live with uncertainty.
At Level 4, we notice that the qualities we possess are not widely possessed by others. In fact, we sometimes use these qualities as a metric to measure the worth of others. Eights, for example, will measure the strength of others; Fives measure the intelligence of others. Most of the time, we feel slightly superior, because most often we believe that we possess these qualities more than others.
At level 4, we have given into a Characteristic Temptation (different for each type). The Characteristic Temptation is a limited way of thinking and behaving that seems to be an answer to what we want. Unfortunately, it is not a permanent solution to our problems. Instead, it is a “quick fix” that traps us in a repetitive pattern that does not have our best interests at heart.
One of the aspects in which our behaviour becomes more limited is in our relationships. We see ourselves a certain way (self-image) and, at Level 4, we really want to prove to others the “reality” of our self-image. In order to prove who we are, we relate to others through a certain role, called the Social Role.
The Social Role is a very limited way of interacting with others that makes us feel comfortable and secure. In our Social Role, we are trying to get others to see in us the qualities of our self-image. For example, a type Three wants to be seen as a Winner. Threes seek out situations where they can relate to others through the role of the Winner. They will also avoid situations where they cannot be seen in that way. Unfortunately, by acting only through his social role, he avoids those activities that would really develop true confidence. He is frustrated when he can’t act in this role, because his confidence and security are dependent on others validating his self-image.
Type One: Idealistic Reformer |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to improve themselves and their world |
BehaviourTend to feel intense personal obligation to do the right thing. |
Type Two: Effusive Friend |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to be wanted and close to others. |
BehaviourTend to believe that they are without needs and always well-intentioned |
Type Three: Competitive Status Seeker |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to distinguish themselves from others |
BehaviourTend to compete for status and attention |
Type Four: Imaginative Aesthete |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to cultivate and prolong selected feelings |
BehaviourTend to withdraw into their imagination to heighten and intensify their feelings |
Type Five: Studious Expert |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to feel safer and more confident by retreating into their mind |
BehaviourTend to withdraw into their imagination to heighten and intensify their concepts and mental worlds (interpretation of the world) |
Type Six: Dutiful Loyalist |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to reinforce their support systems |
BehaviourTend to become dependent on something outside the self for guidance |
Type Seven: Experienced Sophisticate |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to increase the number of sources of stimulation |
BehaviourTend to feel that something better is available somewhere else |
Type Eight: Enterprising Adventurer |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to acquire the resources they need to maintain their position |
BehaviourTend to think that they are completely self-sufficient |
Type Nine: Accommodating Role Player |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to avoid conflicts (by acquiescing to others: “Inner Sanctum”) |
BehaviourTend
to withdraw into their imagination to heighten and intensify their sense
of peace and harmony (avoiding conflicts and self-assertion). |
At Level 5, the main strategy employed is manipulation of others and control of inter-personal relationships. Here, we really insist on getting others to accept our self-image. Unfortunately, others don't always respond in the way we wish, leading to tension and conflict.
At this Level, we also see the beginnings of the Shadow Issue of each type. The Shadow issue (as its name implies) is a hidden element of our personalities. In a way, the Shadow Issue represents the major issue that each type needs to deal with in order to grow.
Type One: Orderly Person |
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Desire & StrategyInsists on being seen as a reasonable, objective person. |
BehaviourManipulate others by correcting them. |
Type Two: Possessive Intimate |
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Desire & StrategyInsists on being seen as a caring, loving person. |
BehaviourManipulate others by making others depend on them. |
Type Three: Image-Oriented Pragmatist |
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Desire & StrategyInsists on being seen as an outstanding, effective person. |
BehaviourManipulate others by charming them (adapting to meet and exceed the expectations of others) |
Type Four: Self-Absorbed Romantic |
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Desire & StrategyInsists on being seen as a sensitive, unique person. |
BehaviourManipulate others by being temperamental and hyper-sensitive, forcing others to treat them with sensitivity and respect. |
Type Five: Intense Conceptualizer |
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Desire & StrategyInsists on being seen as an intelligent, perceptive person. |
BehaviourManipulate others by staying preoccupied with their projects and detached from others. |
Type Six: Ambivalent Pessimist |
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Desire & StrategyInsists on being seen as a dependable, responsible person. |
BehaviourManipulate others by testing their loyalty and trust to them. |
Type Seven: Hyperactive Extrovert |
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Desire & StrategyInsists on being seen as a happy, enthusiastic person. |
BehaviourManipulate others by distracting them and demanding that others meet their needs. |
Type Eight: Dominating Power Broker |
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Desire & StrategyInsists on being seen as a strong, assertive person. |
BehaviourManipulate others by dominating others and insisting they obey. |
Type Nine: Disengaged Participant |
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Desire & StrategyInsists on being seen as a peaceful, easygoing person. |
BehaviourManipulate others by "tuning out" the pressure to change from others. |
Throughout the Levels, we can see that the strategies we employ are a compensation for underlying feelings of anger, shame, or fear. At Level 6, we overcompensate for those underlying feelings. At this stage we are so desperate to have others accept our self-image that we engage in truly offensive behaviour.
At Level 6, we believe that we must put others down in order to make ourselves feel better. Don Riso calls this behaviour the "Leaden Rule." The Golden Rule states "Do unto others that which you would have done unto you." In other words, treat others in the same way you would like to be treated. The Leaden Rule states " Do unto others that which you most fear have done unto you." At this stage we project our fears onto others. Type Ones fear making mistakes and being bad, so they compensate by being good and doing the right thing. They overcompensate by pointing out the mistakes of others and criticizing others for not doing the right thing. Putting others down in this way, boosts a fragile self-esteem.
Note that the Leaden Rule behaviour is seen by others to be offensive, but it is easily justified by the Basic Desire. For example, the One can justify their criticism as simply pointing out how things should be done better.
Thinking tends to be very black and white at this stage. There is a sense that we possess certain positive values (the basis of our self-image) that others do not. As a result, we tend to look down at others as inferior for not possessing the gifts we do. In order to make ourselves feel better about ourselves, we must prove that others lack our gifts. A type Five, for example, "proves" her own intelligence by "proving" that others are stupid and incompetent.
Type One: Judgemental Perfectionist |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to criticize others for not meeting their standards. |
BehaviourPerfectionistic, opinionated, right vs. wrong thinking, impatient, fault-finding |
Type Two: Self-Important "Saint" |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to have their virtue and goodness recognized |
BehaviourFeel taken for granted |
Type Three: Self-Promoting Narcissist |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to convince themselves and others of the reality of their image. |
BehaviourWant to become their image. |
Type Four: Self-Indulgent "Exception" |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to be absolutely free to "be themselves." |
BehaviourDecadent, self-pitying |
Type Five: Provocative Cynic |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to scare off anyone who threatens their inner world |
BehaviourArgumentative,
intellectually arrogant. Make legitimate observations but extreme interpretations.
Less confident about their ideas, cynical, hopeless. |
Type Six: Authoritarian Rebel |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to prove their strength, value, and independence. |
BehaviourFeel that their trust has been betrayed. |
Type Seven: Excessive Materialist |
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Desire & StrategyDesire for instant gratification. |
BehaviourEasily feel trapped or deprived. |
Type Eight: Confrontational Adversary |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to have others obey. |
BehaviourThreaten and intimidate |
Type Nine: Resigned Fatalist |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to minimize the importance of problems in their world. |
BehaviourDismissive, indifferent. |
At Level 7, we are so desperate to get our needs met that we are willing to violate ourselves and others, resulting in serious conflict. There is a feeling that life has violated me, leading to terrifying and desperate behaviour. People at this stage see themselves as victims, and therefore can justify their offensive actions. At this Level, we tend to overindulge in actions that appear to alleviate our pain (overeating, drinking, drug abuse, etc.). Unfortunately most of this behaviour is just an escape from dealing with reality and the genuine problems we must face.
Type One: Intolerant Person |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to justify themselves and silence criticism from themselves and others. |
BehaviourInflexible, intolerant and self-righteous. Unreasonably harsh with others, bitter and depressive. |
Type Two: Self-Deceptive Manipulator |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to maintain the belief that they haven't done anything selfish or wrong. |
BehaviourBlaming, guilt-instilling, and manipulative, all the while justifying their actions as well intentioned. Hurtful toward others, then trying to soothe the very pain they caused. |
Type Three: Exploitative Opportunist |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to preserve the illusion that they are still okay. |
BehaviourSecretive, deceptive to cover an inner emptiness. Dishonest, willing to sell themselves out to succeed in the short term, sacrificing long term health/success, etc. |
Type Four: Alienated Depressive |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to reject anything or anyone that does not support their emotional demands. |
BehaviourSelf-pity turns to shame and the disappointments in life causes such hurt that they need to be blocked. Fatigued and apathetic, they become deeply resentful of life |
Type Five: Isolated Nihilist |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to cut off all connections with the world and people. |
BehaviourIncreasing anxiety from their self-isolation reinforces the rejection they feel from others. They turn around and reject the world also, devaluing others and become nihilistic. |
Type Six: Overreacting Dependent Person |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to be rescued by the protection of a strong ally. |
BehaviourLean heavily on their support systems, take little initiative and avoid responsibility. They disparage themselves, hoping to illicit the pity and rescue of a protective figure. |
Type Seven: Impulsive Escapist |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to avoid their pain and anxiety at any cost. |
BehaviourCompletely uninhibited, they seek any kind of thrill or stimulation. Their impulsiveness borders on the infantile, acting out whatever whim or escapade comes to mind. |
Type Eight: Ruthless Outlaw |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to survive and protect themselves at all costs. |
BehaviourThey feel rejected and betrayed by the world. Being brutal, violent, and treacherous are seen as the only way to survive. They trust nothing except their own wits. |
Type Nine: Denying Doormat |
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Desire & StrategyDesire to defend the illusion that everything is okay. |
BehaviourAccommodation has turned into allow themselves to be exploited. They resist dealing with reality or any kind of change. Incapable of taking any action, they neglect their responsibilities. |