Type Four

And you? When will you begin that long journey into yourself?

Rumi

Overview of F.O.U.R.

“The Individualist” is a sensitive, dramatic type known for their introspective nature. They are emotionally authentic, creative people who desire to express themselves and dive into the depths of who they really are.

• Strengths: self-aware, inspiring, creative.
• Weaknesses: withdrawn, moody, self-conscious.
• Basic Desires: discovering identity and finding purpose.
• Basic Fears: losing identity and living ordinarily.

Center of Intelligence: Heart

Enneagram Fours are located in the Feeling Center. This means they have the great potential to be very receptive and have authentic hearts. Fours use their heart to make decisions and navigate through the world. They are concerned with image, seek attention, and emotionally struggle with shame. Fours, in particular, attempt to avoid deep shame by focusing their feelings inward for protection.

Adjacent Wings: 4w3 and 4w5

Wings play a major role in expressing type diversity within the Enneagram. Wings can only be adjacent to the dominant type, so an Enneagram Four can have a three-wing or a five-wing based on its position in the Enneagram.

Four wing three

Fours with a Three-wing will display driven, energetic, and productive tendencies. 4w3’s desire uniqueness and self-expression. They want to leave a legacy and fear having no impact. Strengths include being deeply in harmony with themselves, having genuine interactions and intentions, productively handling situations, and understanding other people’s motivations. Weaknesses include focusing a little too much on image, feeling like they are not enough or doing too little, not being able to handle emotional issues with a level head, and seeking approval from others.

Four wing five

Fours with a Five-wing display creative, intellectual, and perceptive tendencies. 4w5’s are less concerned with public image than other fours and are true free spirits. They seek personal impact (usually through artistic expression) and might seem reserved or withdrawn. Strengths include staying true to their most authentic selves, creatively problem-solving, being curious about their world, and making a positive impact. Weaknesses include having difficult concentrating or focusing, challenging authority or rules, and thinking too much about themselves.

Directions of Growth and Stress

Direction of Growth (Integration)

When an Enneagram Four is moving in a direction of personal growth they go toward an Enneagram One. This means they will more clearly define what is right and wrong and begin taking steps toward what they believe to be good. Their focus will gradually shift from an inward focus to an outward focus as they work toward change and reformation.

Direction of Stress (Disintegration)

When an Enneagram Four is moving in the direction of stress they go toward Enneagram Two. This means they will be more clingy and over-involved as they move toward the unhealthy side of Two. Their focus will shift from being authentically aware of themselves to being overdependent as they face blame or rejection.

The Stances: Withdrawn

In times of conflict, Enneagram Fours assume a Withdrawn Stance (there are three potential conflict stances within the Enneagram). This means that they will move away from conflict and turn inward when they face difficult situations. In the Withdrawn Stance, Enneagram Fours like to remain independent and non-aggressive, they find safety in their inner world, and they daydream more as they pull away from their present circumstances.

The Subtypes

The three instincts of the Enneagram, also called the subtypes, are basic instincts present in every human being. Although all three exist in the body, one will be a driving force.

Self-Preservation Fours

Self-Preservation types, in general, are concerned with safety, comfort, and getting their physical needs met. Self-pres Fours are not afraid to take risks in order to live their most authentic life. “Safety” for self-pres Fours means maintaining their sense of self and guarding over what makes their heart feel most inspired. These types often assume a tough exterior in order to protect their sensitive side. They usually come across as dramatic and spontaneous.

Intimate Fours

Intimate types, in general, are concerned with one-on-one connection and depth. Sx Fours openly vocalize their physical and emotional needs in order to connect honestly with those around them. These types are often competitive as they vie for attention and seek validation. Words of encouragement are very important for Sx Fours, without it they are prone to feelings of shame and rejection.

Social Fours

Social types, in general, are concerned with their social standing and whether or not they are accepted by the tribe. Soc Fours have a deep desire to be understood for who they really are and to be accepted by their social circle. They are often very blunt with themselves and may think they are “below” others. This low opinion of themselves may manifest as comparison and jealousy.