What are the Enneotype 1 Subtypes?

The subtypes in the Enneagram are variations within each enneatype that are based on the primal instincts of the human being. These instincts, also known as “instinctual energies,” are fundamental to our survival and are deeply rooted in our animal nature.

In the Enneagram system, three main instincts are recognized:

1. Self-preservation: Focused on personal safety, health and well-being.
2. Social: Focused on group relations, belonging and social status.
3. Sexual (or Intimate): Oriented toward intense connections and attraction.

Each person has all three instincts, but generally one dominates over the others, significantly influencing how their personality type expresses itself. This dominant instinct, combined with the basic enneatype, forms the subtype.

Subtypes add an additional layer of complexity and precision to the enneagram, allowing for a deeper understanding of individual motivations and behaviors. They represent the intersection between our personality tendencies (enneatypes) and our most basic instinctual needs.

It is important to understand that subtypes are not rigid categories, but rather tendencies that may fluctuate throughout a person’s life, depending on circumstances and personal development.

The Three Subtypes of Enneatype 1

Enneatype 1, known as “The Perfectionist” or “The Reformer,” is characterized by a strong sense of ethics, a desire for improvement and a quest for perfection. However, the manner in which these characteristics manifest can vary significantly depending on the dominant subtype.

Conservation Subtype

The Conservation subtype One, also known as “The Worrier,” focuses their perfectionism on practical aspects of daily life. Their primary focus is on their personal well-being, health, finances and home.

Key features:

• They are the most stereotypically perfectionist Ones.
• They tend to experience more anxiety and worry than other subtypes of One.
• They tend to be the warmest and friendliest of the Uno subtypes.
• They strongly repress their anger, more so than the other subtypes.

Conservation Unos often establish strict routines and healthy habits. They can be very meticulous about their diet, exercise and financial management. Their preoccupation with “doing the right thing” in these areas can lead them to be overly critical of themselves and, at times, others.

It is common for these individuals to strive to maintain a spotless and organized home, seeing this as a reflection of their personal worth. Their tendency to worry may manifest as a constant anticipation of potential problems, leading them to over-prepare for various situations.

Because of their focus on security and stability, Conservation Ones can sometimes be confused with Enneatype 6. However, their primary motivation remains the pursuit of perfection rather than self-assurance.

Social Subtype

The Social One subtype, also known as “The Misfit,” directs their perfectionism toward social norms, ethics and justice in a broader context. Their primary focus is on being right within their groups and communities.

Key features:

• They often assume the role of teacher or role model.
• They care deeply about equity and social justice.
• They tend to repress their anger, but are more willing to show it than the conservation subtype.
• They can be confused with Enneatypes 3 or 5 because of their focus on achievement and knowledge.

Social Ones see themselves as guardians of morality and ethics in society. They have a strong desire to improve the world and are often actively involved in social or political causes. Their perfectionism manifests itself in their desire to create “perfect” social systems and structures.

These individuals can be excellent leaders and reformers, but they can also struggle with frustration when reality does not match their ideals. They tend to be more vocal about their beliefs and may be perceived as critical or judgmental by those who do not share their high standards.

In contrast to the conservation subtype, social Ones are more willing to express disagreement or indignation when they perceive injustices or behaviors they consider wrong. However, this expression is usually controlled and justified by their sense of moral duty.

Sexual Subtype

The One of the Sexual subtype, also known as “The Zeal” or “The Vehemence”, directs its perfectionism towards its intimate relationships and personal connections. This subtype is considered the “countertype” of the One, as it manages its anger differently from the other subtypes.

Key features:

• They focus their energy on perfecting others more than themselves.
• They are more likely to show their anger openly than the other subtypes of One.
• They can be confused with Enneatype 8 due to their intensity and expressiveness.
• They seek “perfection” in their intimate relationships.

Sexual Ones are passionate and intense in their relationships. They have high expectations not only for themselves, but also for their partners and close friends. Their desire for perfection manifests itself in the pursuit of the “perfect relationship” or the “ideal connection”.

Unlike the other subtypes of the One, sexual Ones are more open with their anger and frustration. They can be critical and demanding in their relationships, but this comes from a place of intense dedication and desire for improvement. Their passion can be inspiring, but also overwhelming to those who do not share their intensity.

These individuals may struggle with the duality between their ideals of perfection and their instinctual desires. They may experience internal conflicts between what they consider “right” and their emotional or sexual urges.

Sexual Ones are often passionate reformers, capable of inspiring others with their vision of a better world. However, they must be careful not to let their intensity and high expectations damage their closest relationships.

Comparison between Enneatype 1 Subtypes

Key differences between the three subtypes

Enneotype 1 subtypes exhibit significant variations in how they channel their perfectionistic energy and manage their characteristic anger. These differences manifest in their priorities, behaviors, and relationships with others.

1. Focus on perfection:
   • Self-preservation (SP): They direct their perfectionism toward themselves and their immediate environment. They are intensely concerned about their personal well-being, health and finances.
   • Social (SO): They channel their perfectionism towards society and the groups to which they belong. They seek to be models of correct behavior for others.
   • Sexual/Intimate (SX): They focus their perfectionism on their intimate relationships and on “improving” their partners or significant others.
2. Anger management:
   • SP: They tend to suppress their anger more than the other subtypes, internalizing it.
   • SO: They repress their anger, but may occasionally show it in a controlled manner.
   • SX: They are more likely to openly express their anger, using it as a tool to “correct” others.
3. Warmth and accessibility:
   • SP: They are usually the warmest and friendliest of the three subtypes.
   • SO: They may seem more distant because of their focus on being models of righteousness.
   • SX: They can be intense and passionate in their interactions, especially with people close to them.
4. Main concerns:
   • SP: Anxiety to do things right in your personal life.
   • SO: Social justice and setting ethical standards for the community.
   • SX: Improve your intimate relationships and loved ones.
5. Possible confusion with other types:
   • SP: They can be confused with Type 6 due to their tendency to worry.
   • SO: They may appear similar to Type 3 or 5 because of their focus on modeling and their apparent emotional distance.
   • SX: May be confused with Type 8 due to their more overt expression of anger.