10 Life Lessons That We Can Learn From Instinctual Variant

The Enneagram's Instinctual Variant

If you're considering taking the Enneagram test, you'll need to consider a subtype called the Instinctual Variant. This subtype is linked to your self-preservation requirements. This type is also known as Type Six, Type Five, and Type Eight. Learn more about this subtype here.

Self-preservation subtype

The self-preservation aspect of instinct is geared toward basic survival needs. People with this type are concerned about housing, money and health, as well as physical safety. They are also likely to be overly concerned about their diet and physical comfort. This subtype is also likely to be concerned about the cleanliness and comfort of a space. They are usually the first to notice any problems in a room.

Self-preservation is a dominant instinctual drive. This drive of survival can be perceived as a threat and an affront to security when it conflicts with other drives of the mind. This can lead people to make assumptions about one's personality and the need for counseling and therapy. The self-preservation type sees the need for a partner to maintain security and feels anxious in the event that they cannot find one.

Instinctual types are characterized by a wide range of behaviors. Self-preservation is associated with protection and vigilance, and also aggression. These actions are geared towards protecting oneself and the group. They also are associated with group accomplishments and their hierarchy.

Social instinctual people seek social belonging and status. They are more likely to pursue group membership if enjoyed a positive childhood. They are also more likely to consider the charity of their choice. They also tend to become annoyed with people who discuss food and decor for their homes.

Knowing your subtype is crucial as it will help guide your development. Your subtype can help you reach your full potential.

Type Eight

The Type Eight instinctual variant combines the love for life with the desire for material security. This personality is strong in protecting their loved ones and friends. They are competitive and decisive with an abundance of energy and an intense appetite. Their physical presence is unmistakable, and they are never scared to speak up. They are practical and hardworking with a strong desire to dominance.

This instinctual variant is a combination of sexual desire and lust to create a charismatic persona. An Eight with this type of combination tends to possess lots of material possessions, which makes them difficult to give up. This is what makes them more likely to engage in political activities. Although they tend to be less aggressive than other subtypes, they are just as likely to be opposed to a group leader.

Another instinctual variant of the Type Eight is a self-pre/sexual Eight. They are driven to "hook" people and are often suspicious of other people. This makes it difficult for them to manage their urges, which could result in unhealthy relationships. Eights may become jealous, possessive, or addicted to their spouses in these relationships. These behaviors can lead spousal abuse.

enneagram is more expressive and compassionate than the average two in this instinctual variation. While the eight is still concerned about being loved and is able to show its love by caring for others, it is seeking love in the same way to an integrated two. This instinctual form of personality has a big heart and is eager to express love, and they do this in tangible ways.

Type Five

Type Five is the opposite of Type Four and is extremely emotional. It can express its inner emotions through art and through ideas. It also seeks out ultimate knowledge and truth. It also seeks meaning. This instinctual type of thinking may be linked to certain subtypes however it can also be used in its own right.

Type Eight is connected to the Passion of Lust. It is driven by the desire to live each day to the fullest extent and often resorts to force to satisfy its Dominant Instinct requirements. The self-centered Eights are usually overly focused on autonomy. This instinctive variant can also be a feeling of being isolated and resentful.

Type Twos project their neediness onto others. They often seek acceptance and love from others. Their neediness keeps them from building deep relationships. They are a traditional provider , but they are also very conscious of their appearance. They are less trusting and less afraid than the other subtypes.

The Sexual One's inclination is to search for a beloved or favorite. As children they were taught that they were beautiful and attractive. Their parents encouraged them to believe they were able to attract a partner. They believed that they needed to become overly sexual and fey for the attraction happen.

The self-pres/social stacking subtype resembles to the self-pres/self-pres subtype in numerous ways, including the need to maintain a tidy environment. They are also interested in attracting a mate and are concerned about their sexuality. They might also have conflicting relationships with groups or have an opinion on social or political issues.

Type Six

Each type of Enneagram has an instinctual variant . Instinctual subtypes can be identified by the type’s driving emotional energy. They are the reason why people in a particular type may be different. Each of the nine types is characterized by three instinctual variations. Each subtype differs from one kind in a variety of ways.

The Type Six instinctual variant is characterized by intense self-reflection. Those with this instinct have a strong need for security and seek it in relationships. They seek the comfort of alliances with like-minded people and are awed by family and traditions. Though they can be self-contradictory, the subtype also has faith and a solid capacity to believe in the existence of God.

The Intimate Six is often in conflict with the Self-preservation Six. They have both masculine and feminine attributes, and are often susceptible to jealousy. Intimate Sixes may seek out partners who are more sexually active than their. They may also wish to impress their partners by appearing confident and strong. They could even concentrate on appearance.

The Sexual Six is perhaps the least visible of the Six subtypes, but it is also the most feared. They are scared of being abandoned and they have a lot of friendships due to their fear of rejection. They also show warmth, tenderness, and peace, yet their true feelings are driven by the fear of losing their protection. The SP Six feels the need for "good" and to not be a nuisance to others.

The Sexual Sixes often act against perceived danger. They can appear rebellious, risk-takers, or troublemakers. They may even exhibit hero-complexes.

Type Seven

The Type Seven instinctual variant is marked by intense energy and extremes in behavior and material success. The self-pres instinct of this subtype is the last of the group, making them successful but also reckless and dependent. They require direct feedback and be able to express their feelings. They may need to take time to process the feedback and may require assistance from other people to reach their goals.

The Eight instinctual type is a little more soft than the social/self-pres subtype. While still showing signs of self-preservation, this type is focused more on social dynamics. They are also very talkative and charismatic. They are easily mistaken for a Seven, and can sometimes utilize their interpersonal abilities to manipulate and trick others.

The Sexual Seven is a strong comedian with a great sense for humor. While their sexuality is not unusual but they don't really care about having sex and instead are more focused on the idealized connection they imagine with someone. This can be great fun, but it can also make intimacy feel unsafe for girls in Sevens.

Although it shares many traits with the other types of self-pres/sexuality, it is different. The Seven is a person who wants to see everything and is often frustrated when life becomes dull. It can also be frustrating when people do not like them. This type is also more intense and could inspire dark nihilistic notions.





In enneagram are prone to becoming too attached to their romantic partners. They may become attached to their partners, but they do not want to lose their freedom. Sevens are very selfish when they are in unhealthy relationships. Their relationships are often focused on their personal desires.