The descriptions for Enneagram type 4 in books and on the Internet often emphasize a particular school's interpretation or borrow elements from various interpretations. Although these descriptions of type 4 can be similar in many ways, there can also be differences.
Below are samplings from some of the more popular interpretations. Click on the sources after the descriptions to further explore these interpretations.
The Individualist, The Sensitive, Withdrawn Type: Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental1
Basic Fear: Of having no identity, no personal significance1
Basic Desire: To find themselves and their significance, to create an identity out or their inner experience1
Basic Proposition: You will feel loved, whole and complete if you can find the ideal love or perfect circumstance.2
Strengths: Creative, empathetic, idealistic, capable of emotional depth, compassion2
Challenges: Moody, withdrawn, self-absorbed, over-sensitive, demanding, unsatisfied with what is2
Energy goes into: A range of intense feelings associated with what seems to be missing or lacking in my life. Finding love, meaning, and fulfillment through self-expression and deep connection. Endeavoring to be a unique individual.3
The Romantic: Creative, sensitive and moody, they are motivated by a need to be understood, experience their oversized feelings and avoid being ordinary.4
Romantics have sensitive feelings and are warm and perceptive.5
Focus of Attention: Fours focus attention on their own feelings, the feelings of others, and interpersonal connection and disconnection. They feel a sense of deficiency about their own worth, so they seek idealized experiences of qualities they perceive as outside themselves.6
Sources
1Book: The Wisdom of the Enneagram; Website: The Enneagram Institute
2Website: The Narrative Enneagram
3Book: The Essential Enneagram; Website: Dr. David Daniels
4Book: The Road Back to You
5Book: The Enneagram Made Easy
6Book: The Complete Enneagram; Website: Chestnut Paes Enneagram Academy
