Enneagram Stereotype - Type 6's are Fearful
The Enneatype 6 is most often described as the "fearful" type. Some people identifying as type 6 don't necessarily identify with this fearful aspect. Seems the adjustment to the label was to describe a "counter-phobic" type vs. a "phobic" type. Perhaps the label of this as a "fearful" type is missing the mark.
Aren't all Enneagram types fearful of something?
- Type 1 fearful of negative judgement or consequences
- Type 2 fearful of not being needed or liked
- Type 3 fearful of failure or unacceptable image
- Type 4 fearful of being abandoned or ordinary
- Type 5 fearful of having their private space invaded
- Type 6 fearful of acting on their own without support
- Type 7 fearful of limitations and painful emotions
- Type 8 fearful of letting their guard down and being vulnerable
- Type 9 fearful of rocking the boat or having their peace disturbed
These are just some examples of what fears the various types may harbor. So why is type 6 singled out for being the fearful one? I wonder if it's because of the original placement of the passions or 7 deadly sins + 2. Each type had to have a passion or sin even though the definition had to be altered to fit the type.
Although for some people it could be thought of as a generalized anxiety where there's anxiousness or fear with no source, others may see it as the defense mechanism of projection where the internal anxiety finds an external source that is not the true cause.
Experience tells me that with the 6w5 variation of the type, it seems to be more of not wanting to act alone for fear of going against the group or authority. Acting in duty to the group, subtle sabotage or group rebellion on the other hand, doesn't spotlight the individual to possible retaliation by the group or authority.
The 6w7 variation seems to seek out a significant other to identify themselves with. Whether there's a sense of safety that comes with that, I don't know. The more significant the person, the more ingratiating the effort seems to be.
