Enneagram Theory & Personality Dynamics Flashcards

The Enneagram's 'law of three' (trialectic) describes which structural principle?

Answer: Every dynamic process involves active, receptive, and reconciling forces

The Law of Three, drawn from G.I. Gurdjieff's teaching, holds that every complete process involves three forces: affirming, denying, and reconciling.

When a Type Nine 'merges' with others, what is the primary psychological function of this pattern?

Answer: To avoid conflict by losing a sense of separate self and agenda

Nine's merging is a defensive strategy that numbs awareness of their own priorities and anger, helping them maintain harmony and avoid the discomfort of asserting a separate self.

In the Narrative Enneagram, 'Essential qualities' that a type has lost access to are associated with which layer of the Enneagram model?

Answer: The virtue and Holy Idea layer

Virtues and Holy Ideas represent the essential qualities each type has lost touch with; they form the spiritual or essential dimension of the Enneagram model.

A Type One in stress frequently moves toward Type Four's patterns. Which behavior would most clearly reflect this movement?

Answer: Becoming more withdrawn, moody, and self-critical about personal shortcomings

Under stress, Ones can access Four's less healthy patterns, including emotional reactivity, melancholy, and intensified self-criticism about falling short of their ideals.

Which instinctual subtype configuration is called 'self-preservation' and what is its primary focus?

Answer: Physical and material security, comfort, and resources

The self-preservation subtype centers attention on safety, comfort, health, home, and material resources as the primary arena for the type's core strategy.

In Narrative Enneagram teaching, why is self-identification emphasized over external typing of others?

Answer: Accurate typing requires access to inner motivation, which only the individual can reliably report

Because Enneagram types are distinguished by core motivation and inner experience—not just behavior—only the individual has reliable first-person access to these determinants.

Which Enneagram type most fears being without support or guidance and responds by building alliances and contingency plans?

Answer: Type Six

Type Six's core fear centers on being without support, guidance, or security, driving them toward alliance-building, worst-case planning, and seeking trustworthy authorities.