What’s the Deal with Subtypes?
What exactly is meant by the term “Subtype,” in Enneagram world? The term has been thrown around quite a bit. You may see it getting used in different (sometimes inconsistent) ways, depending on what Enneagram book you have in hand. But, generally, when you hear folks talking about Subtypes, they’re referring to the three instinctual drives inherent to human beings (self-preservation, social belonging, and one-to-one intimacy).
If you hear somebody say “I’m a social subtype,” it means they’ve identified the instinct for social belonging as their dominant instinct—the one that most affects their daily life and overall expression of personality. You may also hear people describe their subtype by simply combining their dominant instinct and their Enneagram number, which would sound something like: “I’m a self-preservation 7,” or “I’m a one-to-one 3.”
To be clear, you have all three instincts within you (we all do!). But there is usually one instinct that you lean into, or even depend on, more than the other two—hence the label of “dominant instinct.”
So, to really boil it down: your dominant instinctual drive is your subtype. And that gets cross-pollinated with your Enneagram number to make some personality magic.
Self-Preservation
If you’re a Self-Preservation (SP) subtype, it means the ‘raw energy’ of your Enneagram number gets primarily expressed through themes of security, comfort, and sustainability—both in a physical and psychological sense. You’re likely attuned to issues of stability, resources, and personal well-being, often feeling an instinctual pull toward creating a foundation that ensures survival in a world that can feel unpredictable. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re obsessed with money, food, or physical safety—though those can certainly be priorities—but rather that your fundamental drive is to establish a sense of security, however your Enneagram type defines it.
What’s fascinating is that, despite having completely different Enneagram numbers, individuals who share the Self-preservation instinct often exhibit strikingly similar patterns in how they navigate life, prioritize resources, and establish a sense of security. A SP 5 and a SP 1, for example, will each be deeply focused on survival, but their strategies will reflect the core concerns of their type. The SP 5 may see knowledge, minimalism, and personal boundaries as the key to staying safe—hoarding information, conserving energy, and limiting outside demands. Meanwhile, the SP 1 may feel that survival comes from maintaining order, discipline, and self-sufficiency—ensuring that life is structured and that resources are used responsibly.
Regardless of type, Self-preservation subtypes tend to have an underlying awareness of what it takes to "stay alive, comfortable, and well-resourced." Whether it’s through careful planning, financial prudence, energy management, or controlling their immediate environment, they are wired to prioritize sustainability in a way that makes them feel secure in their own skin.
Social
If you’re a Social (SO) subtype, it means the ‘raw energy’ of your Enneagram number is primarily expressed through themes of connection, belonging, status, and group dynamics. You are naturally attuned to the social fabric around you—whether that means fostering relationships, understanding group hierarchies, or contributing to a collective purpose. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re extroverted or constantly socializing; rather, your instinctive focus is on how you fit into the broader network of people, whether that’s a family, community, workplace, or society at large.
What’s intriguing is that even though two people might have completely different Enneagram numbers, if they share the Social instinct, they’ll often find common ground in the way they navigate relationships and social structures. A SO 6 and a SO 7, for example, will both prioritize belonging but in very distinct ways. The SO 6 may see their role as being a loyal, responsible contributor—earning trust and security within the group by fulfilling obligations and staying committed to shared values. Meanwhile, the SO 7 may approach belonging by being a source of enthusiasm, entertainment, and optimism—keeping people engaged and ensuring that the group remains a lively, positive place.
Regardless of type, Social subtypes tend to be wired for awareness of the collective and how they are positioned within it. Whether that means tracking unspoken social rules, ensuring inclusion, leading a cause, or maintaining key relationships, they instinctively focus on how to “find their place within the larger whole of the community” according to the motivations of their Enneagram type.
One-to-One (Sexual)
If you’re a One-to-One (SX) subtype, it means the ‘raw energy’ of your Enneagram number is primarily expressed through themes of intensity, passion, and deep connection with others. This instinct is often described as the drive for intimacy, but it’s not just about romantic relationships—it’s about the pursuit of meaningful, high-stakes bonds in all areas of life. Whether through one-on-one relationships, intense personal experiences, or a deep engagement with life itself, those with the One-to-One instinct are drawn to what feels emotionally significant, alive, and deeply engaging.
What’s especially interesting is that even though two people may have completely different Enneagram numbers, if they share the One-to-One instinct, they’ll often recognize similarities in how they seek and maintain closeness. A SX 9 and a SX 8, for example, both prioritize intimate connection, but their approaches will reflect the core motivations of their type. The SX 9 may seek connection by merging with their partner or close friend—adapting to the other’s preferences, absorbing their energy, and maintaining harmony as a way to create a sense of unity. Meanwhile, the SX 8 may take a more confrontational approach, forging intimacy through intensity—challenging, testing, or even dominating interactions to create a bond that feels real, unshakable, and deeply trustworthy. Paradoxically, some SX 8s might also surrender control in key relationships, seeing trust as the ultimate form of vulnerability.
Regardless of type, One-to-One subtypes are wired for high-impact interactions that spark transformation and depth. Whether they express this instinct through devotion, seduction, intensity, or emotional rawness, their focus is on finding the best way to “achieve intimate closeness with individual others” according to the core concerns of their Enneagram number.
Join Our Workshops!
If you’d like a DEEP dive into all three instinctual domains (self-preservation, social belonging, and one-to-one intimacy), we host a twice-yearly Subtypes Workshop & Panel via Zoom! It’s designed to illustrate how your dominant instinct (a.k.a. your Subtype) shows up in everyday life, and for you to hear from people of other Subtypes (since differences in Subtype often cause friction in relationships). Check out our events schedule to get details on our Subtypes workshop (among others!).