What are the self-preservation, sexual, and social instinctual variants?
There are three instinctual variants which describe different social spheres where one’s attention can be directed: self-preservationist – focused on issues of survival and personal space. sexual – concerned with one-on-one relationships social – concerned with group issues. These variants are independent of one’s Enneagram type. Any type can be any variant, and vice versa, giving 27 combinations. For example, while 9s seek harmony, peace, and reduction of conflict, self-preservation 9s seek it through solitary means (hobbies, nature, and daily routine), while sexual 9s pursue these goals through one-on-one interactions, and social 9s may seek harmony through group activities.
