One really interesting part of the Enneagram is how each of the numbers are so interconnected. Although everyone has just one primary Enneagram Type, each of us can still incorporate traits from other types within our personalities. That’s what makes each of us so unique. It’s also why two people with the same Enneagram Type can have such a wide variation in their personalities.
The Growth Path is also known as the Direction of Integration. It represents how the Type acts when they are moving towards health and growth. In Growth, most types take on some of the healthy traits of their Growth Number.
The Stress Path is also known as the Direction of Disintegration. The Stress Path represents how a Tye acts when they are under pressure, under stress, or not in control. Understanding Stress, most types take on some of the less healthy traits of their Stress Number.
Enneagram Type 1
In growth, they take on the healthy traits of Type 7. Some of these traits might include being spontaneous, optimistic, aware of a quieter inner critic, focused on the good, and enthusiastic.
In stress, Type 1s take on the less healthy traits of Type 4. Some of these traits might include being moody and irritable, irrational, envious, melancholy and more likely to withdraw from others.
Enneagram Type 2
In growth, they take on the healthy traits of Type 4. Some of these traits might include being authentic, creative, nurturing to themselves, accepting of help, and in tun with their emotions
In stress, Type 2s take on the less healthy traits of Type 8. Some of these traits might include being controlling, confrontational, pushed to burnout, without tacts and blaming to others for their problems.
Enneagram Type 3
In growth, they take on the healthy traits of Type 6. Some of these traits might include being devoted to community, appreciative, cooperative, less competitive, and in touch with family.
In stress, Type 3s take on the less healthy traits of Type 9. Some of these traits might include being apathetic, self-doubting, disengaged with loved ones, unmotivated, and engaged in numbing themselves.
Enneagram Type 4
In growth, they take on the healthy traits of Type 1. Some of these traits might include being calm, disciplined, focused on the present, principled, and practical
In stress, Type 4s take on the less healthy traits of Type 2. Some of these traits might include being clingy, manipulation, repressed with their own needs, seeking of reassurance and in need of others’ attention.
Enneagram Type 5
In growth, they take on the healthy traits of Type 8. Some of these traits might include being outspoken, energetic, confident, asserted and engaged with others
In stress, Type 5s take on the less healthy traits of Type 7. Some of these traits might include being unreliable, hyper-focused on their own needs, hyperactive, engaged in indulgent behaviors, and distracted.
Enneagram Type 6
In growth, they take on the healthy traits of Type 9. Some of these traits might include being relaxed, empathetic, trusting of their own intuition, less anxious and open-minded.
In stress, Type 6s take on the less healthy traits of Type 3. Some of these traits might include being competitive, concerned about and hoarding resources, focused on appearance, arrogant and more focused on success instead of values.
Enneagram Type 7
In growth, they take on the healthy traits of Type 5. Some of these traits might include being introspective, empathetic, slower to think and process, creative and comfortable with silence.
In stress, Type 7s take on the less healthy traits of Type 1. Some of these traits might include being judgmental, engaged in black and white thinking, perfectionistic, sarcastic, and critical of loved ones.
Enneagram Type 8
In growth, they take on the healthy traits of Type 2. Some of these traits might include being patient, open, vulnerable, caring, able to let others’ care for them, and a good listener.
In stress, Type 8s take on the less healthy traits of Type 5. Some of these traits might include being withdrawn, suspicious, disconnected from their emotions, uncompromising and neglecting to care for themselves.
Enneagram Type 9
In growth, they take on the healthy traits of Type 3. Some of these traits might include being decisive, goal oriented, confident, able to invest in themself and able to put themselves out there.
In stress, Type 9s take on the less healthy traits of Type 6. Some of these traits might include being anxious, pessimistic, likely to have sudden outbursts of anger, self-doubting and overcommitted.
