Introduction
Main Contrasts Between The Subtypes Of E1: Conservation, Sexual and Social
E1 belongs to the upper region of the enneagram, where we find the so-called "instinctive" or, more precisely, visceral characters: E9, E1, and E8. These personality types are structured around the primary defense mechanism of dissociation: faced with the anguish caused by psychic and spiritual separation, they detach themselves from emotions and
mental processing to focus on visceral experiences. Instinct, in this context, loses its function of regulating needs and becomes robotic, no longer serving its purpose of recognizing authentic needs and fulfilling them.
These types are also known as "action" characters. Here, action refers to an impulsive bodily movement driven by a search for existence: a restrained and repetitive action in E9, an impulsively rebellious action in E8, and a resolute action in E1.
In Claudio Naranjo's model, E1 is the most intellectual of the action-oriented characters, relying heavily on mental and intellectual faculties. In this case, these faculties manifest in the search for an ideal self, identified as someone who "knows" and "is right," who seeks to maintain power and believes they have the merits to wield it.
The passion of E1 is Anger, which does not refer to a finely tuned emotional anger tied to specific events. Instead, "Ira" (Wrath) here refers to a core emotional motivation that influences how this character approaches all internal and external experiences. This is akin to the divine expression of wrath in phrases like "the wrath of God." It is a visceral irritation, a blend of anger and frustration, which is neurotically driven by the need to quiet anxiety or anguish through impulsive acts that aim to eliminate or resolve perceived problems without leaving room for emotional awareness or cognitive processing.
Individuals with this character type feel that the pain and emotions they experience cannot be contained. They perceive their emotional world as chaotic and their instinctual world as dangerous. Ultimately, they aim to suppress, nullify, or even devalue these worlds.
As children, they lacked a nurturing environment where their bodily and emotional needs were recognized. Their emotions were not validated by their caregivers, leaving them to solve the problem by separating their emotions from their bodies and silencing their bodily experiences to escape unbearable anguish.
Psychology of Enneatypes
The passion for anger in E1 is an uncomfortable sensation and cannot remain active for long. Thus, E1 defends itself by reactively converting this anger into a sense of superiority, which is expressed more or less explicitly on the subtype:
• Sexual 1: This subtype is the most expressive of anger. It is the most emotional of the three and displays itself as a powerful individual who is more open in expressing frustration. • Social 1: This subtype attacks in a refined and "superior" manner, often exuding arrogance.
• Self-Preservation 1: This subtype internalizes anger, expressing it indirectly and often directing it inward. They strive for self-improvement and perfection.
For the E1 individual, anger was likely an emotion that could not be expressed during childhood, just as they were not allowed to question or doubt parental authority. Dramatic and exponential frustration prevented them from escaping these feelings. Instead, paternal authority was internalized, and they identified with it, adopting the mandate to suppress their needs and instincts in order to become a "little adult," upright and virtuous.
Among the visceral types, the intellectualization of E1 is evident in their self-idealization and their vision of a perfect world. This is paired with the repression of their emotional and instinctual worlds. Rationality and the need for control dominate, and the individual often becomes a representation of the internalized parental figure, embodying rigid and moralistic principles.
This patriarchal ego stems from an extreme identification with the Freudian Superego, the internalized authority that controls, punishes, and criminalizes natural instincts (the Id).
• The social subtype represents a socially justified and civilized patriarchy. • The sexual subtype aligns with a more overt patriarchy that justifies its violence through a sense of "justice" and law. • The Self-Preservation subtype exhibits a hidden patriarchy, using politeness and concern for "proper education" to exert authority.
Subtype-Specific Passions
1.Self-Preservation 1: Defined by concern, this subtype anticipates problems, believing that by doing so, they can maintain control. Their anger and anxiety manifest as worry and are often accompanied by perfectionism and hyper-responsibility. They focus on basic security, satisfying fundamental needs, and being recognized for their good deeds.
2.Social 1: Characterized by inadaptability, this subtype perceives the external world as deeply flawed and imperfect. They position themselves as educators and critics, aiming to improve their surroundings and taking pride in their perceived superiority and authority.
3.Sexual 1: Marked by vehemence, this subtype expresses anger directly, with fervor and intensity. They are reformers who aim to correct others and achieve their goals
through visible aggression and enthusiasm. They are possessive, jealous, and exhibit a conqueror's mentality.
In Claudio Naranjo's work, he connects Karen Horney's relational vectors with Enneatypes and subtypes:
• "Expansive" types address conflicts by pleasing or moving toward others. • "Going against" types resolve issues by dominating, threatening, or attacking. • "Moving away" types withdraw to avoid conflict altogether.
Among E1 subtypes:
• The conservationist subtype seeks to please others through responsibility and service. • The sexual subtype adopts a confrontational stance, appearing aggressive and dominating. • The social subtype withdraws, exuding coldness, indifference, and superiority.
Naranjo also explores the styles of love associated with each subtype, identifying three dimensions: erotic, compassionate, and admiring love. E1 has a strong inclination toward admiring or paternal love, investing their energy in external improvement, though often in an authoritarian and reformative way.