A thought for those of us with childhood issues like cPTSD and Narcissist family. Plus typing and tests.

I think this makes a lot of sense.

I have a 8w9 friend with cPTSD who was a struggle to type, because 8s are usually described as acting out their anger and he just... doesn't. Growing up in a nightmarish situation where lashing out meant harsh punishment, he adapted to repress or ignore it to the point of not being aware of feeling it (maybe leaning into 9 wing?). He gets annoyed, but anymore than that and it kind of shuts off on its own. Has had episodes of full-on dissociation too. He totally relates to the 8 core fear, still has the typical 8 intensity, resists being controlled, is usually very aware of who holds the power in any situation and doesn't shy away from taking it - but not with anger, never with anger.

Almost seemed like a 9w8. But then if you acknowledge the trauma symptoms for what they are, everything checks out.

/r/Enneagram Thread Parent