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Learn about what each enneagram type is afraid of as well as how each enneagram type tries to avoid that fear throughout their life.
What is the Enneagram?
Unlike many personality typing systems that explain the “what”, the enneagram goes deeper and explains the “why”.
The enneagram is a system that shows us the nine ways that the people in the world default to in life. The enneagram explains the “why” of all that we do, think, and feel.
The enneagram is not based on your traits but rather your core motivation, and that is where the fear comes into play.
Not sure what your enneagram type is? Learn how to find your type!
What Each Enneagram Type Is Afraid Of
Each enneagram type has their own core motivation and part of that core motivation is the core fear.
Everyone has fears and those can fade or grow… you may get over a fear of public speaking or of spiders. But a core fear is different.
With enneagram growth work, you can loosen the grip your core fear has on you but your core fear will never really fade – it’s there for life.
What is an Enneagram 1 Afraid of?
An enneagram 1 is afraid of being bad, wrong, unethical, immoral, incorrect, inappropriate, and evil.
As a result, type 1s tend to focus on being good, right, ethical, responsible, etc. in order to hopefully avoid their core fear.
Learn more about Enneagram 1 here: Enneagram Type 1: The Improver
What is an Enneagram 2 Afraid of?
An enneagram 2 is afraid of being unwanted, unlovable, not needed, not appreciated, and being needy.
As a result, type 2s tend to focus on being lovable, helpful, giving, etc. in order to hopefully avoid their core fear.
Learn more about Enneagram 2 here: Enneagram Type 2: The Helper
What is an Enneagram 3 Afraid of?
An enneagram 3 is afraid of being not valued, not admired, worthless, a failure, and not successful.
As a result, type 3s tend to focus on being valuable, admirable, hard working, etc. in order to hopefully avoid their core fear.
Learn more about Enneagram 3 here: Enneagram Type 3: The Achiever
What is an Enneagram 4 Afraid of?
An enneagram 4 is afraid of being without significance, having no meaning, no identity, being common, and being defective.
As a result, type 4s tend to focus on finding their true identity and meaning of things, on being authentic, finding their specific place in this world, etc. in order to hopefully avoid their core fear.
Learn more about Enneagram 4 here: Enneagram Type 4: The Individualist
What is an Enneagram 5 Afraid of?
An enneagram 5 is afraid of being invaded, overwhelmed, depleted, incompetent, incapable, and unknowledgeable.
As a result, type 5s tend to focus on being capable, competent, well-informed, etc. in order to hopefully avoid their core fear.
Learn more about Enneagram 5 here: Enneagram Type 5: The Observer
What is an Enneagram 6 Afraid of?
An enneagram 6 is afraid of being without support, without security, without guidance, being alone, and being abandoned.
As a result, type 6s tend to focus on having support, being prepared, responsible, committed, etc. in order to hopefully avoid their core fear.
Learn more about Enneagram 6 here: Enneagram Type 6: The Loyalist
What is an Enneagram 7 Afraid of?
An enneagram 7 is afraid of being deprived, trapped in emotional pain, limited, and bored.
As a result, type 7s tend to focus on being satisfied, content, unrestrained, free, etc. in order to hopefully avoid their core fear.
Learn more about Enneagram 7 here: Enneagram Type 7: The Enthusiast
What is an Enneagram 8 Afraid of?
An enneagram 8 is afraid of being controlled, weak, powerless, vulnerable, and harmed.
As a result, type 8s tend to focus on being independent, protecting themselves/loved ones, strong-willed, and confident, etc. in order to hopefully avoid their core fear.
Learn more about Enneagram 8 here: Enneagram Type 8: The Challenger
What is an Enneagram 9 Afraid of?
An enneagram 9 is afraid of being at loss with others, fragmentation, disconnected, and shut out.
As a result, type 9s tend to focus on being at peace, harmonious, connected, accepting, etc. in order to hopefully avoid their core fear.
Learn more about Enneagram 9 here: Enneagram Type 9: The Peace Seeker
