Enneagram Type 9: Typical Stressors & Strengths

The Enneagram Type 9 personality (The Peacemaker) marches to its own drum beat, i.e. a different set of motivations, desires and fears from the other eight EnneaTypes. Let’s decode the typical factors – both Stressors & Strengths – that can impact the Enneagram Type 9’s health and well-being. 

Important caveatThe insights provided here are noticeable patterns drawn from many years of studying thousands of people around the world. They are indicative only, and not predictive or judgmental. Also, not all of these observations may apply to you. The  aim is  to prompt reflection and inspiration, rather than put you into a box. 

Enneagram Type 9: The Peacemaker

enneagram type 9 strengths and stressors

  • The easy-going, self-effacing type.
  • Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable.
  • They are usually creative, optimistic, and supportive, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace.
  • Also, they want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent, simplifying problems and minimizing anything upsetting.
  • They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness.
  • At their Best: they are indomitable and all-embracing. Lastly, they are able to bring people together and heal conflicts.

Strengths & Stressors

People with the Enneagram Type 9 personality display certain traits, which can influence their health and well-being at multiple levels.

Typical Stressors Typical Strengths

Physical

They tend to over-eat comfort food and resist healthy eating habits. Also, they can neglect regular physical exercise. Besides, they may sleep long hours and become lethargic. Caution: Risk of addiction to alcohol, marijuana, psychotropic drugs, anti-depressants. To balance their laid-back approach, they learn to prioritise, up the pace, and do what is required of them. Hence, they cultivate a more active lifestyle – physically and socially.

Emotional

They experience negative emotions like stubbornness, resignation and self-negation. Given their complacent nature, they may also be prone to Dependence or Schizotypal issues or can display passive-aggressive tendencies. They can let go of their attachment to “allowing things to emerge/ evolve” and initiate concrete action. Hence, they can remain calm, optimistic and supportive. Best part is that, their essential “stability” shines through.

Mental

The Enneagram Type 9 personality view the world as separate from themselves and prefer to stay on the sidelines. Particularly, they fear being disconnected and cut-off. Might use phrases like “I am content; others pressure me to change” or “It isn’t OK to assert myself” or “I have failed if I can’t minimize conflict”. They live by their values of comfort, peace-of-mind and stability. Also, they use their ability to co-hold diverse viewpoints and bridge difference. As a result, they can find common ground to build on, and then bring their own agenda to the table.

Relational

They get disturbed by tension, friction, instability and deadlines. Hence, they can be too accommodating to keep the peace. They display their disagreement either by “checking out” or suddenly becoming passive-aggressive. They inspire others to look for healing and harmony in all interactions.

Spiritual

Losing contact with the innate wholeness and harmony of Presence makes them feel disconnected and cut-off. Hence, their ego copes by tuning out, numbing out or checking out. This is how Sloth (“Tamas” in the Indian tradition) arises. Staying ‘Present’ helps them rediscover the ‘Action-orientation’ they have lost. As a result, they can respond energetically, in a way that moves the situation forward.

Further Exploration

If these insights regarding the Enneagram Type 9 personality don’t resonate with you, please review the typical Stressors & Strengths of the other EnneaTypes, below. If you wish, you can learn more about your Personality type and also take a more detailed (paid) test at www.enneagraminstitute.com.

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