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Instinctual Variants

49K views 28 replies 23 participants last post by  Cthulhu And Coffee 
#1 ·
sp/sx - environmental awareness
sp/soc - resource awareness
soc/sp - communal awareness
soc/sx - interpersonal awareness
sx/sp - internal awareness
sx/soc - sexual (gender) awareness


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sx = fear of not making an intense, intimate one-on-one connection

so =
fear of ostracism, rejection, failure to fit in

sp =
fear of being deprived of essential needs or resources


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sx/sp

This is perhaps the most internally conflicted of the stackings, and potentially the most inconsistent in behavior. This may occur as a blockage of the sexual instinct which can be redirected as a more generally brooding and troubled personality. They may isolate themselves for long periods of time before reemerging. They live according to a strictly personal outlook and are not particularly concerned with the approval of others outside of their immediate concern. They seem to be searching for something, the missing piece. If they find a soulmate they will unite without fanfare, forming a secret bond, dealing with formalities as an afterthought. Powerful sexual impulses facing inner resistance may manifest symbolically in the psyche, giving way to soulful interpretations of the unconscious. Under periods of stress severe sexual tensions may manifest as erratic, impulsively destructive behavior. Can seem restless, torn between the comforts of a stable home life and the urge to wander. May be prone to self-medicating.
Motivation: to know the heart, reconcile inner conflict, form a secure union.
Familiar roles: the devotee, the seeker, the wanderer
Examples of sx/sp: Prince, Carl Jung, Johnny Depp, Ozzy Osbourne, Johnny Cash, Joan Crawford, Princess Di, Marilyn Monroe, Janis Joplin, Frollo from "Hunchback of Notre Dame"

sx/so
This is the type that exudes the most raw charisma and sexual energy. They may identify so strongly with whatever they're involved with that they often become the symbol of its core essence, and sometimes its lead agent for change. Hardly content with the status quo, this subvariant seeks to alter the fundamental structure of something while at once embodying it's purest or most extreme form. Possibly attracted to radical views on politics, philosophy, spirituality or creativity that reflect their penchant for testing boundaries. They enjoy pushing other's buttons, especially those resistant to their modes of expression. It's not uncommon for them to have a pet social, political or spiritual cause which they're able to support with heartfelt conviction. May exploit and seek to redefine sexuality to reflect their own colorful and uncertain understanding of it. While prone to exhibitionism, they are strongly attracted to grounding influences which can anchor them and provide stability. Failure to satisfy an especially intense desire for connection may cause this subvariant to spite others at the risk of jeopardizing the need for an equal, stabilizing force. Can feel pulled between wanting a life of maximum intensity and reassuring episodes of peaceful convention.
Motivation: to impact others, question assumptions, challenge convention.
Familiar roles: provocateur, activist, exhibitionish
Examples of sx/so: Madonna, John Lennon, Yukio Mishima, Robin Williams, Drew Barrymore, Richard Simmons, Elvis, Bono, George Michael, Sinead O'Connor, Joan of Arc.

soc/sx
This stacking lends itself to very strong one to one social skills, but is usually uncomfortable in group settings. They enjoy cultivating multiple relationships, and can be intensely involved when in the presence of someone they are interested in, but have difficulty sustaining these bonds when apart. This may give the impression of being flighty and rootless, willing to adapt and mirror others in order to connect, but lacking a defined approach that would give their relationships a more solid standing. They may have political interests, but are generally more pragmatic and less partisan than the other social variant. They are often attuned to pop culture and the latest trends.

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1:

1 sp/sx contributed by john
This type is more fiery then the selfpress/social. They still have many of the same concerns, but there is this energy that wants to throw all their repression out the window. It is mainly contained but it's there under the surface. The focus of their perfection of their environment is on their loved ones. On the downside they can be very critical of the people close to them. This normally controlled type is likely to erupt from time to time with the people close to them. It’s an explosion of built up repression that comes out. On the high side this type can relax a little more then the selfpres/social but on the downside they are more volatile. They do share the inner conflict between their sexual and selfpres with the sexual/selfpres but the selfpress usually wins out. The instinctual energy of the sexual variant is still more present then the selfpres/social

1 sp/so contributed by john
This type is the most steady, organized, and practical. They Prioritize time well. Prides themselves on finding the bargain buying quality, putting effort into things. Perfection comes from dotting all the Is . They tend to watch their health they don’t overindulge. When healthy there example of efficiency is inspiring. The pride they take in their work is commendable. On the down side they can become obsessive compulsive. They can lose the forest for the trees in making there home and environment perfect. They can also be very hard on themselves. The energy of this type is the most consistent.

1 sx/sp contributed by john, millena, marie
This type is a ball of contradiction. They want to let themselves go but are judgmental of themselves for doing so. The difference between this type and the selfpres/sexual is the sexual first intensity wins out. They can be highly critical of their spouses. Expecting perfection from them. They can be very jealous and protective of their relationships. Their sense of humor can be sarcastic and biting. On the downside brutal at times while being very sensitive themselves to the slightest criticism.

1 sx/so contributed by john, millena, marie
This type is the type most at odds with their Oneness. This type is the most intense. They are looking for perfection in everyone they’re close to not just their spouse. They can be very charismatic and engaging. They can be very persuasive like the social/sexual also. If they have an opinion you are going to hear it. It’s very important for them to be understood. They are outwardly competitive. Like the social/sexual they too will be mistyped for other e types the anger that is under the surface with the other variants of Ones is much more on the surface. You always know where you stand with this type. They can mimic 8 energy in this regard. This type on the upside is warm and engaging but on the downside this same energy can bring with it the full brunt of the One's anger and need to be right.

1 so/sp contributed by john, millena, marie
This type is very community minded. The person on the block to offer a hand. Tell you how to keep you lawn just right. When high side they do it in a truly helpful way. They can be counted on when the right thing should be done. You get the feeling this person is someone that can be trusted and has everyone’s best interest in mind. This type is likely to have interest in politics and social concerns. For the good and bad of it depending on how fixated they are. They are similar to the selfpres/social in that both types will be community minded but the selfpres/social will focus more on self and this type will spread its focus to the group. On the downside they can be judgmental and butt in when not called for.

1 so/sx contributed by john, millena, marie
The social/sexual will have the same concerns as the social/selfpres it’s just that it becomes more personal. They will zero in on what they want to make better and the intensity of their conviction is more obvious. Along with this on the high side they are more personable and lighter. Don’t take themselves as seriously. They can have a great sense of humor. On the downside their sensitivity can cause them to hold grudges. This type because the selfpres is last may be mistaken for other e types. Along with the sexual/social they can be sloppy usually there is still a sense of organization and a desire to do a job right but much less perfectionism in the material, physical environment. All there focus is on people and society. With this focus they can become quite persuasive in their causes. On the down side this extra outward energy if taken too far can result in a consuming feeling that they need to be right at all costs.


2:

3:

Self Preservation Threes
SP 3s are the most hard-working Threes who exemplify the Three's need to succeed. Their self-esteem is based upon if they are successful and well-liked and thus devote their lives to pursuing their goal. Their work comes before everything else, tend to be less pretentious than other Threes, and can resemble Ones. However, the One's goal is to be right or perfect, but the goal for this particular Three is to be a success, usually for their own sake. It's not so much important if other people see the SP 3 as successful, what is important is that the SP 3 is successful. They can also put their feelings aside better than the other variants, as well as more important things in life like friends and family.


Social Threes
SC 3s are the most charming Threes who exemplify the Three's need to be well-liked and prestigious. Unlike the SP 3's who want to be genuinely successful, the SC 3 only needs others to think they are successful. The negative outcome of this desire can make this variant the most pretentious and artificial type of all. However, they are brilliant marketers, ad-people, and salespeople since they are skilled at making people believe what they say. Who they really are is kept away from public eyes, instead they are constantly "on" when in public. They are the most concerned with prestige, and being bigger and better than the next guy, which can lead to acquiring objects as status symbols. SC 3s buy their Mercedes and BMWs not much for the performance, but more for the status it gives them. Their mates don't need to be compassionate or faithful, just as long as they are attractive and make a nice trophy to show off to the world. This variant is the most potential of being isolated from their true selves.


Sexual Threes
SX 3s are the most attractive Threes who exemplify the Three's narcissism and elitism. They are usually in one of two places: the gym or in front of a mirror. They are similar to the SC 3s, but instead of appearing prestigious to charm their way through life, they prefer to be sexy. In extreme cases this may lead to thousands of dollars spent on surgery to attain the "right look". They may go on binge diets, or become anorexic in their often futile chase for beauty. They can also develop a strong narcissism to go along with their looks, the stereotypical "rich princess" type. It should be fitting for them to be the most narcissistic, as Narcissus was a SX 3 who fell in love with his own reflection and ignored the cries of Echo.

3 soc/sx Personal Coach (as informal contact, as opposed to formal contract)



4:

5:
5w6 sx/soc - "The Mad Theorist." The most mentally intense of all types, a speculative imagination teams up with a visionary intellect to produce an eccentric style that cannot stop theorizing on the frontiers of science, envisioning alternate realities, or predicting the future. Fascinated by the paranormal, the unexplained, the six wing adds a sense of conspiratorial intrigue. They possess abundant nervous energy and are anxious to discharge their thoughts onto others, though the forcefulness of their ideas and sometimes frenzied delivery may overwhem their audience.

5w6 sx/sp - "From Another Planet." Less attracted to mundane science, more likely to be captivated by the unusual and complex universes that populate cutting edge sci-fi. Slow to trust but driven to engage with others, may offer hints about their secret interests to test a person's receptiveness. They share their private ideas and knowledge as a way to get closer. This tactic may unintentionally win them many friends, but leave them just as removed from any romantic prospects. Not as nerdish though a bit on the odd side, others may find them strangely appealing. Overall, the most atypical 5w6, can be mistaken for 5w4.


5w4 sx/sp "In their Own World" contributed by jase There's something oddly captivating about this Five, apt to wander through various conceptual worlds, as conceived in the minds of others, or of their own creation. They can appear perpetually sullen and immersed in emotional thought, giving the impression there's much more going on beneath the surface. This type of Five can easily be mistaken for a Four, though their range of expression is constricted. Curious about others though usually from afar, it's as if they're reserving themselves for the one element or person that would truly understand them. Despite intensity of desire, the sx instinct has difficulty asserting against the fearful inhibitions of the Five, along with the restrictive self pres close to the surface. They usually wait to be approached, but others should find them intriguing enough to initiate contact.

5w4 sx/so "Revolution" contributed by jase
The most creatively energized and outspoken of Fives, they conceive of outlandish and idealistic alternatives to a reality they find deeply unfulfilling for the most part, and like to exhibit these radical visions, possibly through an art form if not through direct advocacy. Many sx/soc 5w4's are responsible for revolutionizing their creative fields, for better or worse. They aren't always comfortable in the visionary roles they might find themselves in, and may escape to extended periods of withdrawal to regain a sense of independence and security. This kind of retreat can surprise those who have mistaken them for a more conventionally driven, extroverted personality.

5w4 so/sx Consultant courtesy of jase
Take the supreme intellectual arrogance of the social Five and give it a personalized, one to one touch, and you get your very own personal expert wannabe.

5w6 sp/sx contributed by jase
is the most private of Fives, not as emotionally detached but more socially oblivious. They would likely find their niche within a stable, low maintenance relationship, in a safe environment where they're insulated from the demands of others. They have an endearing quality uncommon to other Fives, so I see this type as more heavily Six winged.

5w6 sp/so "The Engineer". contributed by jase
Probably the furthest removed of all types from their own emotional life. The most practical minded and hardest working of Fives, prefer to work with complex physical systems over mere theory. In some ways this might be the purest version of Five.

5w6 so/sp "The Scientist" contributed by jase
the most hyper intellectual of all types, they value pure rational thought above all else. The most theoretical of Fives, not as hands-on experimental as the tinkering sp/soc 5w6, they seek to advance theory over technology. This may be the most recognized "face" associated with type Five, as seen in movies such as "A Beautiful Mind."

5w6 so/sx "The Goofball" contributed by jase
think of the main characters from "Revenge of the Nerds", a bunch of highly social, highly sexualized, irresponsible self pres lasters goofing off, at least that's how I remember it. This is probably the most Sevenish and outwardly humorous kind of Five, they value being smart but also want to be cool. I imagine several classic comedic performers were soc/sx 5w6.


6:

6 sx/sp contributed by jase
The intensity of the sx in the sx/sp channels inward, intensifying the engine of the core type, in this case putting the sx/sp Six into a state of pronounced inner anxiety and restlessness. They may be bold and adventurous, wandering away from internal anxiety and seeming counterphobic, but only towards the outer life, which is less of a source of fear (social last). sx/sp Sixes can resemble Fours, appearing preoccupied with themselves, deep in contemplation, as if on some kind of inner expedition, quietly seductive and captivating, in between explosive releases of sx energy. They're prone to self destruct rather than attack others. Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana are possible examples of sx/sp Six.

6 sx/so contributed by jase
The sx/so Six channels the sx energy outward against their fears in all directions, but they are less aware of their inner anxiety, displaying a truer counterphobic style, and often resemble Eight. Mike Tyson is a sx/so Six, I would say.

6 so/sx contributed by jase
These Sixes are often phobic beta types (as opposed to counterphobic alphas which are more common among sx/soc Six), think of the little dog in the looney tunes cartoon that follows the bulldog, "gee Spike can we Spike, can we, huh? huh?" very loyal to the individuals they attach themselves to, but not as likely to be followers of various groups or "brotherhoods" like the soc/sp Six. soc/sx Sixes may fall over themselves trying to win over their chosen allies, as their anxieties are based around acceptance to their friends and loved ones, with a particular appreciation for those they connect with or admire, which can make them very cliquish. When buffered by their clique, they can lean more counterphobic. Very endearing and good natured, but can get clingy and annoying in a hurry, trying too hard to please, friendly and ingratiating, even with the Five wing, but can become overly dependent on the constant reassurance of others in their circle.
Examples: Chandler from "Friends", Grace from "Will and Grace", Milhouse from "The Simpsons", Gilligan, Shaggy from "Scooby Doo", Jay Leno, Fredo from "The Godfather"


7:

8:

9:


sp/soc 9w1 - "The Well-Wisher." Unusually modest and not likely to assert themselves, can go through life on autopilot. They wish good things for others and quietly do their part to help make it possible. Self contained and unlikely to draw attention to themselves, often overlooked for their positive contributions.

soc/sp 9w1 - "The Do-Gooder." Tend to be rather conventional. The awareness of the social, the practicality of the self pres, and the idealism of the One wing provide a framework for the do-gooder to make real strides towards their vision of an ideal world. May find themselves in a position of leadership during times of moral crisis. Otherwise they are content to follow by example.
9w1 sp/sx The Naturopath courtesy of jase
natural wellness, textures, scents, colors, moods, herbs, tinctures, crafts

9w1 sx/sp contributed by kali, jase
through the basic desire to maintain inner stability and peace of mind, and the basic fear of loss and separation (annihilation), the one wing combines with nine as both an ability to blend different ideas into one vision of an ideal world as well as a penchant for external order as a means to gain internal order, depending on degree of stress. the sx/sp stacking reinforces the 9 focus on connection and manifests in seeking complete partnership with an other, connection with the divine, and ultimately union of one form or another. tendencies may include unrealistic fantasies of rescue as well as idealizing others. this subtype may be naturally inclined to dream interpretation, symbolism and working with myth. may also be imaginative and creative, tending toward non-verbal forms of communication. aka the symbologist (dreams, archetypes, visions, landscapes, quests)

9w1 sx/so Luke Skywalker or the Physical Adventurer Flavor lol.
an unusual combination of stats. If Ocean or Luke are any indication, it's an uncommonly adventurous, physical sort of NF. Possibly mistaken for ISFP, or even ISTP.

9w1 so/sx Cheergiver contributed by lorren; jase
This subtype tends to look outside for any intense connection to be found, and then may attempt to either befriend the source, or emulate it from a distance. For example, an artist of this type, may find it exceedingly difficult to not paint in/adopt the style of the latest artist whose work has captured their attention. Like other variants of the same type, they may notice "down the road" that they've substituted something else for their own vision, with but a hazy recollection of what they were once so excited about. Openness in others is extremely attractive, as it mirrors the openness of this type, and connection can happen quickly and easily for them. The high side of this orientation is an ability to connect with others in a very open, accepting way when truly present. The low side is a desire to connect out of neediness.
Examples: Walt Disney, Mister Rogers, Santa Claus


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If you can find more, let me know. This thread is for compiling as many instinctual variants as possible. :happy:
 
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#2 ·
#3 ·
5w4 sx/sp "In their Own World" contributed by jase There's something oddly captivating about this Five, apt to wander through various conceptual worlds, as conceived in the minds of others, or of their own creation. They can appear perpetually sullen and immersed in emotional thought, giving the impression there's much more going on beneath the surface. This type of Five can easily be mistaken for a Four, though their range of expression is constricted. Curious about others though usually from afar, it's as if they're reserving themselves for the one element or person that would truly understand them. Despite intensity of desire, the sx instinct has difficulty asserting against the fearful inhibitions of the Five, along with the restrictive self pres close to the surface. They usually wait to be approached, but others should find them intriguing enough to initiate contact.



^Word.
 
#6 ·
5w4 sx/sp "In their Own World" contributed by jase There's something oddly captivating about this Five, apt to wander through various conceptual worlds, as conceived in the minds of others, or of their own creation. They can appear perpetually sullen and immersed in emotional thought, giving the impression there's much more going on beneath the surface. This type of Five can easily be mistaken for a Four, though their range of expression is constricted. Curious about others though usually from afar, it's as if they're reserving themselves for the one element or person that would truly understand them. Despite intensity of desire, the sx instinct has difficulty asserting against the fearful inhibitions of the Five, along with the restrictive self pres close to the surface. They usually wait to be approached, but others should find them intriguing enough to initiate contact.

mhm...yep.
 
#7 ·
5w6 so/sx "The Goofball"? Highly sexualized nerds? What the heck, is this serious information? or some f$$cking goofball wrote it?

5w6 so/sx Desire to fit in and human relationships seeker, since is a five, search a lot of information about this and can became good at it until it reach their goals with experience. Perceive connections betwen people and their possible behaviours, if know enought about people can jump in very easily and with charisma, not good (neither the worst) at group communications but very good at 1 by 1.

At their worst, when get socially rejected, get the "I dont care" attitude of a 7 and withraw from society or search other people to share with. Not tend to be nerds (or only nerds) since their first need is social interaction, need chamaleonic information that can be flexible enought to interest people and interesting enought for the five.
 
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#19 ·
I relate more to the sp\sx stacking than the sp\so. I still think I'm sx last. I relate to the aspect of repression and explosion in intimate environments. With strangers or just acquaintances or in public.I can be very dry and serious and consciously try to control myself and not to show the craziness but with close ones I can be quite engaging and attention grabbing and I'm ashamed of this
 
#21 ·
I always thought I would have some higher So instinct, since I care about other people and community in general, but recently, under stress I began to feel so upset at the lack of imo social support, that I started totally veering in a direction that's normally not where I would go.

Like, I lost health insurance, and it strikes me as this slap in the face (maybe an So thing idk? Or Sx thing?) that I am working, volunteering, taking care of society imo and that society doesn't want to reciprocate. I mean I get that it's not an obligation, but at the same time it's actually hurtful. It's troubling to me how members of our society can just fall out of it and just be exiled, and perhaps that's how I feel in a sense.

That, seems like, to me, would be So. That I feel that social slap in the face. You know--you care for our children, you make sure they are safe and watch them all day, and nurture them, and educate them, and listen to them, but as a society, you do not have the security of knowing that you will not be indebted to us by dozens of thousands of dollars if you have an accident.

It's weird--it's kind of an emotional response. I thought maybe it was Sp, since I am so upset about that physical security. And I immediately wanted to jump into ideas about how to get more money. Like I am into the stock market, and that's not something I've ever really valued at all. I don't think the stock market or investors in general do anything good, but I do want security--like health insurance. It's a major trigger for me. And I would think security would be either So or Sp, when it comes to health insurance.

So my response to health insurance, and suddenly wanting to trade stocks, made me think of Sp more. Because it's about survival and opportunity to advance in that.

I can kind of identify with the sx/sp 5. But I never thought of myself as Sp. I've always thought I was more social, even though I feel a lot of anger and anxiety around society.

But now I am wondering, especially after reading your descriptions, if I might be more Sp than I realized.

I, honestly, have no idea what instincts I have. I've always personally identified with the Sx instinct, because I do value that connection so much, whether it is to another person, or myself, or the environment, or anything really. I always thought Sp was foreign though, because I seem to be so bad at taking care of worldly stuff though.
 
#27 ·
@CreakyPier
Your type(s) might be interesting to explore! :laughing: On the surface, you don't seem like a 5 and there's hints of SX but idk how much. I see SOC and... well, SP because you're talking about it but... Sometimes types can mimic instincts. Head types seem stereotypically SP, for example, while heart types seem stereotypically SOC. And I suppose age would factor in there, as well.

...There's nuances, to say the least.

Anyways, this doesn't seem like the thread to delve into it all, but types 1 and 6 seem more immediately relevant, if it interests you. And if it doesn't, that's alright.
 
#28 ·
@CreakyPier
Your type(s) might be interesting to explore! :laughing: On the surface, you don't seem like a 5 and there's hints of SX but idk how much. I see SOC and... well, SP because you're talking about it but... Sometimes types can mimic instincts. Head types seem stereotypically SP, for example, while heart types seem stereotypically SOC. And I suppose age would factor in there, as well.

...There's nuances, to say the least.

Anyways, this doesn't seem like the thread to delve into it all, but types 1 and 6 seem more immediately relevant, if it interests you. And if it doesn't, that's alright.

Thanks, and I won't delve into it here. But someone on the site suggested 1 to me, and then irl I worked with a type 1 who was convinced I was a type 5 before we even talked about enneagram (and since 5w6 was the first results I got on a test, I just kind of went with it). Her grandmother used to lead the enneagram groups in their church, so she grew up with enneagram. She also loaned me some books about enneagram, which I read at the time. So I do value her reading, since she saw me outside of just what I type online. However, 6 and 5 are both head types, so perhaps to her they look similar (or could be related to mbti type differences too). idk

Thanks for your feedback though! But I agree that it's probably not the best place to delve into it, and I've already spent a few posts in the thread on stressful personal stuff.

I will look for some of your posts on enneagram though, and appreciate you sharing your impressions.

(I also took the questionnaire Duo linked, and it resulted in 6, but I was also drinking, so I'd like to take it again later without that influence.)
 
#29 · (Edited)
Wow, I'm so glad I randomly stumbled upon this. I recently figured out I might be an so/sx and this really helped confirm it for me.

I very much relate to loving talking to different people one on one but being horrible at keeping in contact when apart from them. I am extremely flighty. It's something I constantly worry about others being mad at me for. I do think one should work on these sorts of habits. But it's really nice to have an explanation.
 
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