How the Three Core Emotions Are Influenced Through the Nine Types

Emotions are part of being human. We all feel anger, fear, and shame at some point in our lives. But how we express and deal with these emotions can vary depending on our core emotions. Our core emotion is the one that we feel most strongly and frequently, and it influences how we experience the other two emotions. The Enneagram is a system that describes nine different personality types, each with their own core emotions and emotional patterns. Let's take a closer look at how each type relates to the three core emotions.

The Body/Instinctive Triad (8-9-1)

These types are driven by their instincts and impulses, and their core emotion is anger.

Type 8: The Challenger

Anger is very intense and frequent for Type 8s. They feel it as a surge of energy in their body, and they react quickly and forcefully. They usually get angry when they feel vulnerable or threatened.

Shame or sadness is often felt after people act on their anger and regret their actions. They may realize they hurt someone or made a mistake, and they feel bad about it.

Fear is rare and brief for Type 8s. They feel it when they can't control a situation, but they quickly turn it into anger.

Vulnerability is the root cause of their emotional reactions.

Type 9: The Peacemaker

Anger is very mild and rare for Type 9s. They don't like to feel it or show it, and they often deny or ignore it. They usually avoid anything that bothers them.

Shame or sadness is often felt when people realize they have given up their power and priorities to keep the peace. They may feel like they have lost themselves or their purpose.

Fear is common and strong for Type 9s. They feel it when they sense a potential conflict or disruption. They hate conflict and try to avoid it at all costs.

Avoidance of conflict and loss of connection are the root causes of their emotional reactions.

Type 1: The Improver

Anger is usually suppressed and hidden by Type 1s. They think it is a bad emotion and they try to control it. They often feel irritation instead of anger. But when they do express their anger, it can be very sharp and focused.

Shame or sadness is often felt when someone makes a mistake or acts inappropriately. They have very high standards for themselves and others, and they feel guilty or sad when they don't meet them.

Fear is often felt when people lose control or worry about the future. They are afraid of making errors, mistakes, or missteps, and they try to plan everything carefully.

A harsh inner voice and rigid internal standards are the root causes of their emotional reactions.

The Heart/Emotional Triad (2-3-4)

These types are driven by their feelings and relationships, and their core emotion is shame or sadness.

Type 2: The Helper

Shame or sadness, is usually avoided and denied by Type 2s. They don't want to feel worthless or sad, and they try to hide it. They often act cheerful and helpful, hoping to be liked and appreciated.

Anger is often felt when people feel underappreciated or undervalued. They may explode in anger and then go back to being nice and friendly.

Fear is often felt when people feel their relationships are in danger or when they worry about other people. They are afraid of being unloved or unwanted, and they try to please others.

Concerns about being valued by others are the root cause of their emotional reactions.

Type 3: The Performer

Shame or sadness is usually ignored and replaced by Type 3s. They don't want to feel inadequate or sad, and they try to hide it. They often act successful and confident, hoping to be admired and respected.

Anger is often felt when they feel their image is damaged or challenged. They may get angry and defensive, and then try to fix their reputation.

Fear is often felt when people face failure or rejection. They are afraid of being seen as a failure or a loser, and they try to achieve more.

Issues of image and fear of failure are the root causes of their emotional reactions.

Type 4: The Individualist

Shame or sadness, is very intense and frequent for Type 4s. They feel it deeply and openly, and they don't try to hide it. They often express their emotions through creativity and originality, hoping to be unique and authentic.

Anger is very different for each subtype of Type 4. The sexual type 4 is very angry and passionate; the social type 4 is more mild and polite; and the self-preservation type 4 is somewhere in between. They may get angry when they feel misunderstood or slighted, and they tend to take things personally.

Fear is often felt when people compare themselves to others or worry about their purpose. They are afraid of being ordinary or insignificant, and they try to find their identity.

Subconscious envy and a lack of self-esteem are the root causes of their emotional reactions.

The Head/Mental Triad (5-6-7)

These types are driven by their thoughts and ideas, and their core emotion is fear.

Type 5: The Investigator

Fear is usually reduced and controlled by Type 5s by withdrawing from the world. They are afraid of being overwhelmed or invaded, and they try to protect themselves.

Anger is often felt when their boundaries are violated or challenged. They may react with anger and then retreat to their privacy.

Shame or sadness is often felt when people struggle with social interactions or emotions. They are disconnected from their feelings and isolated from others, and they may feel lonely or inadequate.

Concerns about being overwhelmed by their environment and the demands of others are the root cause of their emotional reactions.

Type 6: The Loyalist

Fear is very intense and frequent for Type 6s. They feel it constantly and openly, and they don't try to hide it. They often scan for threats and dangers, hoping to be prepared and secure.

Anger is often felt when they feel their concerns are ignored or their loyalty is betrayed. They may react with anger and then seek support from others.

Shame or sadness is often felt when people overreact or project their fears onto others. They may realize their perception is wrong and feel ashamed or sad about it.

Fear about an uncertain future and a lack of trust are the root causes of their emotional reactions.

Type 7: The Enthusiast

Fear is usually avoided and escaped by Type 7s by staying busy and positive. They are afraid of being bored or trapped, and they try to distract themselves.

Anger is often felt when they feel their options are limited or their freedom is restricted. They may react with anger and then look for something new and exciting.

Shame or sadness is often felt when someone harms themselves or others with their lack of discipline or commitment. They may realize their actions have consequences and feel guilty or sad about them.

A drive to avoid anxiety through incessant activity is the root cause of their emotional reactions.

Conclusion

Emotions are complex and varied, and the guide above shows some general trends rather than absolute rules. We all have different triggers and responses for anger, fear, and shame, but the Enneagram helps us to see some common patterns and predictable triggers.

Read the next article: Building Trust in Teams (and losing it) with Each of The Enneagram Types!