Blog Question:
How do I find my Idealized images, Core Fears, and Defense Strategies? What is the difference between Behaviors and Motivations?

Do I have to like helping people to be a Type 2?
What would I focus on if I had the 279 Tritype®?
I think I focus on cheering the people up who are down and keeping events interesting so we can all have a good time together.

Katherine's Response:
Good questions and insights.To a degree, yes. More importantly, Type 2s are deeply relational and seek roles that make them the “go-to person.” They want to be seen as a special friend and an indispensable advisor in the lives of others.

But first, let's look at what’s needed to type accurately.

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How to accurately Type and Tritype®

1. Traits and Descriptions
In the initial stages of the typing process, we learn about the traits and descriptions of the nine Enneagram Types. Naturally, we focus on what the types do and don’t do, comparing these traits to our own behaviors. While this is a helpful starting point, it should only serve as the first step—not as a way to confirm our type.

Special Note: If we rely solely on behaviors to determine our type, we will likely mistype ourselves, which is why so many people are mistyped.

It’s also important to note that primary types (3, 6, and 9) are naturally adaptable shapeshifters. They track behaviors and adjust to situations, which makes it challenging for them to recognize their deeper, more hidden motivations and why they do what they do. For types 6 and 9, this is particularly difficult due to their tendency toward indecision. They are wired to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making decisions.

Type 6 faces the most significant challenge in accurately identifying their type or Tritype®. As the core type in the thinking triad, they are most prone to questioning and doubt. They are also unique in their worry about how their test results will be perceived, sometimes trying to manipulate testing instruments. Interestingly, if the results suggest they are type 6, they may become angry and blame the test.

2. Distinguishing between our Behaviors vs. our Motivations
Why? Because the Enneagram is the only personality typology that is not based on observable behaviors. Instead, it focuses on motivations—the reasons behind what we do.

Definition of Behaviors vs. Motivations
To accurately determine our Enneagram type and Tritype®, we must explore the deeper, more hidden motivations driving our behaviors.

Behavior: Behavior refers to the outward actions an individual takes, which can be observed and described.

Motivation: Motivation refers to the internal drivers behind those behaviors, shaped by an individual's core fears, desires, and values.

Behaviors are superficial and subject to change, making them unreliable indicators of type.

For example, all nine types may experience feelings of sadness, confusion, or anger. Similarly, all types can sometimes display assertiveness. However, not all assertive individuals are type 8s or 1s.

3. Identifying our Idealized Images, Core Fears, and Defense Strategies
Comparing our idealized images, core fears, and defense strategies provides a more accurate and insightful way to identify our Enneagram type and Tritype®. This approach is based on decades of research and goes deeper than relying on external behaviors or searching for a "perfect match" description of a type, which is often misleading and can feel frustrating and limiting.

Focusing on our idealized images, core fears, and defense strategies reveals our motivations and ...cuts through the noise of surface-level behaviors. It aligns with the original teachings of the Enneagram and is all about understanding the "why" behind what we do, not just the "what." Comparing idealized images, core fears, and defense strategies provides a more accurate and insightful way to identify our Enneagram type. This approach goes deeper than relying on external behaviors or searching for a "perfect match" description of a type, which can often feel frustrating and limiting.

Idealized Images:
Idealized images are the positive self-concepts we strive to embody and present to the world. They identify the image we need to portray to have value and how we wish others to see us and be safe. These images reflect how we want to be perceived and help us to feel valuable and accepted.

Core Fears:
Core fears are the underlying fears and anxieties we strive to avoid at all costs. They identify how we gather the know-how needed to feel safe. Survive. These fears shape our behavior, motivations, and defensive strategies.

Defensive Strategy:
Defense strategies are the automatic, instinctive ways we react when feeling triggered or mistreated. They identify the unconscious defense strategies we use to manage emotional pain and psychic panic. These defense strategies protect our idealized images, manage our core fears, and defend our view of reality.

Identifying these deeper aspects simplifies, clarifies, and enhances the typing process. This strategy is excellent for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed by descriptions that don't fully resonate.

How do I find my Idealized Images, Core Fears, and Defense Strategies?

Idealized Images:
Reflect on the version of yourself you strive to present to the world—the qualities you most value and want others to see in you.
Ask yourself:
What do I want to be known or admired for?
What qualities do I believe make me valuable or lovable?
Example: Type 2 might idealize being caring and helpful, while a Type 5 might idealize being knowledgeable and self-sufficient.

Core Fears:
Consider what you avoid at all costs—those deep fears that drive your actions and reactions.
Ask yourself:
What do I fear when I don’t know what to do or how to do it?
What triggers anxiety or discomfort for me?
Example: Type 7 fears being trapped in emotional pain, while Type 6 fears being alone, helpless, and abandoned.

Defense Strategies:
Observe your automatic Reactions when you feel triggered, anxious, or criticized.
Ask yourself:
How can I protect myself when I feel weak?
What steps can I take to avoid being controlled or misrepresented?
For example, a Type 9 might withdraw and seek peace, while a Type 8... might take charge and clarify misrepresentations.

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Now, let us look at the examples of Type 2: (Supportive Advisor),

Type 2 Idealized Images:
The idealized image revolves around being a good, heartfelt person who is kind, caring, attentive, generous, and altruistic. They strive to be appreciated and valued as indispensable individuals who are emotionally attuned and always available for others. By pursuing this idealized image, Type 2s aim to secure their place in the lives of those around them, often acting as the hub of their family or social groups.

Type 2 Core Fears:
Being worthless or without value.
Feeling unwanted, discarded, or dispensable.
Being perceived as replaceable or irrelevant in relationships.
These fears drive Type 2s to constantly seek validation and reassurance through acts of service and emotional connection, hoping to affirm their worth and importance in the lives of others.

Type 2 Defense Strategy: Repression
Type 2s use repression as their primary defensive strategy. They suppress their own needs and desires, pushing them out of conscious awareness to focus entirely on the needs of others. By doing so, they attempt to maintain the image of being selfless and indispensable.

However, this repression can create internal conflict. Over time, their unacknowledged neediness may manifest as resentment or feelings of being unappreciated, especially if their efforts to help others are not reciprocated or acknowledged.

Type 2 Behavior vs Motivation
Definitions:
Behavior: Behavior refers to the outward actions an individual takes, which can be observed and described.

Motivation: Motivation refers to the internal drivers behind those behaviors, shaped by an individual's core fears, desires, and values.

While the behaviors of Type 2s may appear outwardly altruistic (helping others, offering support, or creating rapport), their deeper motivation lies in earning validation, securing emotional connection, and protecting themselves from feelings of worthlessness or rejection.

This distinction is critical when understanding Type 2. Their behaviors reflect a desire to maintain their idealized image and protect against their core fears, not just a simple enjoyment of helping others.

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Tritype®: 279 Supportive Advisor, Entertaining Optimist, Peaceful Mediator

Type 2 (Supportive Advisor)
shares overlapping qualities with Type 9 (Peaceful Mediator) and Type 7 (Entertaining Optimist), but their motivations and expressions differ:

Type 9 Influence:
Type 2 and Type 9 share a focus on kindness, but Type 9 expresses kindness through passive, enduring acts of goodwill, whereas Type 2 demonstrates kindness in a more proactive, emotionally involved, and relational way.

Type 7 Influence:
Type 2 can exhibit playful, adventurous, and freedom-seeking qualities commonly associated with Type 7. However, for Type 2, these traits are employed as a means of creating joy and connection through acts of service and emotional attunement.

By understanding these nuances, we can clearly distinguish the unique motivations and strategies that define Type 2.

Idealized Images, Core Fears, and Defense Strategies across Types 2, 7, and 9.

Type 2 (Supportive Advisor)
Idealized Images: Being kind, caring, emotionally attuned, indispensable, and altruistic.
Core Fears: Being worthless, unwanted, dispensable, or easily replaced.
Defense Strategies:
Repression: Suppressing their own needs to focus on others’ needs, maintaining their image as selfless and caring.
Identifications: Over-identifying with others’ emotions and problems as a way to stay connected and indispensable.

Type 7 (Entertaining Optimist)
Idealized Images: Being optimistic, adventurous, exciting, and free-spirited.
Core Fears: Being trapped, missing out, feeling limited, or stuck in emotional pain.
Defense Strategies:
Reframing: Recasting painful or negative situations into positive ones to avoid discomfort.
Intellectual Sublimation: Using mental activity or rationalization to detach from emotional pain and focus on possibilities.

Type 9 (Peaceful Mediator)
Idealized Images: Being peaceful, harmonious, easygoing, and agreeable.
Core Fears: Being overlooked, disconnected, uncomfortable, or in conflict.
Defense Strategies:
Narcotization:
Avoiding conflict or discomfort by “numbing out” through routine or distractions.
Going to Sleep to Oneself: Suppressing their own desires and opinions to maintain external harmony and avoid internal discomfort.

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Merging all three types in the Tritype®

Types, 2,7,9:The Peacemaker or Peace Seeker
Types merge to create a more specific focus of attention. This amplifies some characteristics and minimizes others. It also details qualities unique to each Tritype®.

Idealized Images:
2-Idealized Images: Being kind, caring, emotionally attuned, and altruistic.
7-Idealized Images: Being optimistic, adventurous, exciting, and free-spirited.
9-Idealized Images: Being peaceful, harmonious, easygoing, and agreeable.

Core Fears:
2-Core Fears: Being worthless, unwanted, dispensable, or easily replaced.
7-Core Fears: Being trapped, missing out, feeling limited, or stuck in emotional pain.
9-Core Fears: Being overlooked, disconnected, uncomfortable, or in conflict.

Defensive Strategies:
2-Repression: Suppressing needs to focus on others’ needs, maintaining a selfless image
7-Reframing: Recasting painful or negative situations into positive ones to avoid discomfort.
9-Narcotization:
Avoiding conflicts or discomfort by “numbing out” through routine or distractions.

The 279 Tritype® :The Peacemaker
The 279 Tritype® is often referred to as The Peacemaker and Peace Seeker. This Tritype® is characterized by a strong desire to create and maintain comfortable, easy, and harmonious relationships. Combining the qualities of the Supportive Advisor, the Entertaining Optimist, and the Peaceful Mediator, The Peacemaker is warm, optimistic, and relational. They excel at building connections, offering emotional support, and fostering an atmosphere of positivity and cooperation. Their main focus is on being kind, uplifting, and indispensable, often prioritizing others’ comfort and happiness above their own.