Understanding the Enneagram Type 4: A Complete Guide

The Enneagram Type 4 is known as “the Individualist” because they’re highly self-aware and often get caught up in their thoughts and emotions trying to uncover the deeper meaning of life. 

In this guide, we delve into the core characteristics, strengths, and challenges of the Enneagram Type 4. 

Whether you identify as a Type 4 following an Enneagram test or you’re simply curious about someone who best fits this description, discover the emotional drivers and complexities that make Type 4’s truly complex yet endearing personalities.

Enneagram Type 4 Description

Enneagram Type 4s are called “Originalists” or “Individualists” because they’re deeply introspective and desire to understand their own identity and emotions. 

If you’re a Type 4, you tend to experience life with emotional intensity and a sense of longing. Fours are highly creative and express themselves authentically, often striving to stand out as unique in their world. 

What are the Key Characteristics of Type 4s? 

Fours are constantly searching for something that will make them feel whole. You can think of an Enneagram Type 4 as someone who treasures deep emotional experiences and seeks beauty in all forms, whether it be art, relationships, or personal growth. These ideas can create a rich inner world, but they can also lead to feelings of envy or intense sadness when they feel like something is missing in their lives. Enneagram Type 4s are generally withdrawn and often become frustrated when they don’t live the life they romanticize about. 

If you can relate to feeling like an outsider in society because you value individuality and resist blending in, you align more with the Enneagram Type 4 than any other type. 

The key characteristics of this type include: 

• Self-awareness
• Sensitivity
• Creativity 
• Emotional honesty and vulnerability  
• Melancholic
• People-focused
• Witty and expressive 

How to Recognize an Enneagram Type 4

The Enneagram Type 4 consists of a combination of complex personality traits and desires that are explored in more detail below: 

• Emotionally Intuitive: As a Four, you are in touch with your emotions and the emotions of others. You feel deeply and express your emotions vividly, whether through art, conversation, or personal reflection.
• Creativity and Self-Expression: You thrive when you can express your inner thoughts and feelings creatively. This might come out through writing, music, visual arts, or how you dress and present yourself to the world.
• A Sense of Longing: Fours often feel that something is missing from their lives and may struggle with a sense of longing. You might feel like others have something that you lack, whether that’s success, happiness, or acceptance. This can lead to resentment and enviousness.
• Desire for Authenticity: You prioritize authenticity because you prefer genuine, deep interactions over surface-level connections. As a Type 4, you’re drawn to people and experiences where you can honestly express your emotions.
• Romantic and Idealistic: Fours are often dreamers, filled with idealistic visions of what life could be. Whether in love, friendships, or personal pursuits, you hold yourself and others to high emotional standards and strive for meaningful experiences.

A Look at the Emotional Traits of Enneagram Type 4s

Fours are deeply emotional and introspective, with their identity and self-worth closely tied to their feelings and inner world. Their rich emotional landscape is what makes them unique, but it also creates fears and desires that influence their thoughts, actions, and relationships. 

To better understand the emotional traits of this type, let’s take a closer look at the core fears and desires associated with Fours: 

Core Fear: Being Insignificant or Defective

A deep fear of being insignificant, flawed, or without identity is at the heart of every Type 4. If you constantly feel that something is missing from your life or that you’re somehow incomplete, this fear can manifest as envy. This usually occurs when you compare yourself to others and believe they have qualities or experiences that you lack. As a true Type 4, you often worry that you will never be truly understood by others. 

This fear drives many Fours to isolate themselves or withdraw because they feel misunderstood or emotionally vulnerable. You might struggle with feelings of inadequacy, always searching for something that will help you feel whole or special.

Core Desire: To Find Authentic Identity and Be Understood

A Type 4 deeply desires to find and express their true self and live in a way that feels emotionally fulfilling and meaningful. 

Being understood and appreciated for who you really are is incredibly important to you.

Fours embrace individuality and often express themselves through art or personal style. However, when they feel misunderstood or dismissed for being perceived as too emotional or different, it can create tension.

The Emotional Journey of a Type 4

As a Four, you often dwell on your emotions, particularly when something makes you feel incomplete. This sensitivity can make you very empathetic and deeply caring, but it can also lead to emotional highs and lows. 

You find it easier to express your emotions creatively, and this helps you find beauty in life’s complexities. But under stress and pressure, you might become overwhelmed by melancholy as you focus on what is missing in yourself and your life. 

When you’re classified as a Four, you can find inner peace and fulfillment by learning to accept your emotions without allowing them to define your self-worth.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The strengths and weaknesses of Type 4s paint a clearer picture of what this enneatype represents and how it can shape one’s personality as discussed below: 

Key Strengths of Type 4s

• Creativity and imagination: Fours are highly creative and have a vivid imagination. You uniquely see the world and are often drawn to artistic or expressive outlets, whether that’s painting, writing, music, or another form of self-expression.
• Emotional depth: As a Type Four, you have a strong connection to your emotions and aren’t afraid to deeply explore them. This emotional depth allows you to connect with others profoundly and understand their feelings with empathy and insight.
• Authenticity and individuality: You accept your unique qualities and refuse to conform to societal norms. This makes you a genuine and refreshing presence in social situations, as people appreciate your individuality.
• Strong personal identity: Fours are often deeply introspective and spend a lot of time exploring who they are and what makes them different. This self-awareness can lead to a strong personal identity over time.

Key Weaknesses of Type 4s

• Tendency toward melancholy: Fours can sometimes get caught up in their emotions, particularly sadness or longing. You might dwell on what’s missing in your life, which can lead to uneasiness and symptoms of depression.
• Comparisons and envy: The desire to be unique and special can sometimes lead you to compare yourself to others, feeling somewhat jealous of what you perceive others have. This can cause dissatisfaction with your own life, even when you’ve achieved success or happiness.
• Overly idealistic: While your romantic and idealistic nature can be a strength, it can also set you up for disappointment. Fours often hold themselves and others to high emotional standards, which may be difficult to meet, leading to frustration or disillusionment.
• Struggles with self-worth: As a Type 4, you connect your self-worth to how different or unique you feel. If you believe that you’re not living up to your ideals, you may start thinking that you’re inadequate or worthless. 

How Rare Is Type 4?

Enneagram Type 4s make up 15% of the population, which places them among the more common types. They’re still distinct in their unique emotional depth and creative tendencies but often feel different from others, which aligns with their desire to be authentic and stand out. Their prevalence can be seen more in communities that value individuality and artistic expression. The most common wings for Type 4s are 3w4 (8.25%) and 5w4 (6.75%), reflecting a combination of emotional depth with either a focus on achievement (Type 3) or intellectual curiosity (Type 5).

Enneagram Type 4 Wings Explained

In the Enneagram system, each type has two neighboring wings that influence how the core traits are expressed. For Type 4s, these wings are Type 3 and Type 5. Depending on which wing is more dominant, you may have a strong drive for achievement or a more introspective and intellectual approach to life.

Enneagram Type 4w3 (The Aristocrat)

If you’re a Type 4 with a Type 3 wing, your natural creativity is paired with a desire for success and recognition. You value self-expression and genuineness but often seek external validation for your efforts. This wing makes you more ambitious and socially aware, as you want your unique talents to be noticed and appreciated by others. 

For example, a 4w3 might excel in a creative field, such as acting, writing, or fashion, where they can showcase their individuality while receiving recognition for their achievements.

Enneagram Type 4w5 (The Bohemian)

If you lean toward the Type 5 Wing, your focus on self-expression is paired with a deep intellectual curiosity and a need for solitude. You’re more introverted and spend a lot of time in your own world, reflecting on your thoughts and emotions. This wing makes you more introspective and independent, valuing knowledge and personal exploration.

A 4w5 might be drawn to artistic or philosophical pursuits, such as writing poetry, creating art, or studying complex subjects. You’re attracted to areas where you can explore your inner world without constant validation.

Enneagram Type 4 Subtypes Explained

Like all Enneagram types, Type 4 has three subtypes: self-preservation, social, and one-on-one (also called "sexual"). These subtypes show different ways Fours express their emotions and connect with others.

Self-preservation Type 4 (4SP)

The Self-Preservation Fours typically focus on their internal emotions. While being emotionally self-aware is a positive trait, some 4SPs may feel as if they aren’t good enough, and they create an inner world that makes them feel safe. This subtype can appear reserved or shy, as they prioritize emotional safety over social interactions.

Social Type 4 (4SO)

On the other end of the Enneagram scale, Social Fours seek to express their individuality within groups or communities. In this case, you might focus on ways to stand out in social settings. In this instance, you can connect to the emotions of others and can be deeply empathetic, but may also struggle with envy if you feel overshadowed.

One-on-one Type 4 (4SX)

If you’re a One-on-One Four, you’re considered passionate and intense in your relationships. You seek deep, personal connections and believe in forming meaningful bonds with others. If you belong to this subtype, you can be fiercely loyal, but also prone to emotional instability based on your personal and romantic relationships.

Healthy and Unhealthy Levels of Type 4

Despite Enneagram Type 4s being a common type, their combination of traits can lead to some complex behaviors and emotional patterns. These patterns are influenced by their immense drive for authenticity and self-expression and can create healthy or unhealthy emotional levels.  

Healthy levels

Type Fours are innovative, self-aware, and emotionally grounded. This means that they can confidently express themselves and embrace their individuality. They form trustworthy connections with others and use their emotional insight to inspire and support those around them. For example, a healthy Four might pursue a career in the arts where they can create beautiful and thought-provoking work while maintaining a sense of balance and inner peace.

Average levels

At an average level, Fours still wish to express themselves, but they get caught up in what is missing rather than what makes their lives whole. Average-level Fours will compare themselves to others and struggle with inadequacy. They can be creative and empathetic but tend to become withdrawn or moody. 

Unhealthy levels

When a Type 4 reaches an unhealthy level, they become consumed by envy, self-pity, and insecurity. You’re more inclined to be an unhealthy Four if you feel that no one understands you or you’re emotionally volatile. This can lead to lashing out at those who don’t meet your unrealistic expectations. In this state, you might struggle to connect with others and feel deeply disconnected from the world around you.

Enneagram Type 4 in Relationships and at Work

Type Fours have bursts of creativity, and they value individuality, which can be considered assets in the workplace, but these traits can also get in the way of personal and professional relationships. Let’s look at the Enneagram Type 4 in the workplace and social settings. 

Enneagram Type 4 at work

When you're a Four, you thrive in work environments that allow creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. You might excel in careers related to the arts, writing, design, or counseling, where you can use your emotional insight and unique perspective to make a difference.

However, Type 4s should balance their desire for authenticity with the practical demands of work. Setting goals and finding structure can help you stay grounded while pursuing your passions. Clear direction allows your creativity to flourish within a framework, making you more productive and focused.

Enneagram Type 4 in relationships

Type 4s are deeply romantic and seek partners who understand their emotional complexity. As a Type 4 in a romantic relationship, you value purposeful connections and invest a fair amount of emotional energy into your relationships. Your passion for emotional depth attracts you to partners who appreciate vulnerability and intimacy. 

To maintain a healthy intimate relationship, you must communicate your needs clearly and avoid unrealistic expectations. This prevents idealizing the relationship, which simply leads to disappointment and frustration when reality doesn’t match your emotional fantasies. Learning to balance your idealism can help you create more stable and fulfilling connections.

Enneagram Type 4 with friends

Fours are loyal and deeply supportive, often drawn to friendships based on emotional connections. You’re likely the friend who listens with empathy and offers thoughtful insights, especially when your friends are going through tough times. 

Fours often bring unique perspectives into their friendships, making them exciting and enriching companions. When you feel appreciated and understood, you’re kind, connect deeply, and offer emotional support.

While you can become an exceptional friend, you tend to disconnect when you feel overwhelmed with jealousy and inadequacy. You might find that you block off your emotions when you feel misunderstood, creating distance in friendships. To maintain healthy friendships, be open about your feelings and don’t assume that others always understand your emotional needs. 

How to Grow as a Type 4

If you are committed to personal growth as a Type 4, you should embrace your individuality and innovative ways of thinking while learning how to manage your emotional difficulties. Consider the following tips to help you grow and achieve balance:

1. Practice self-acceptance

As a Four, you often struggle with discontent and insecurity, but practicing mindfulness and learning to unconditionally accept yourself can lead to inner peace. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that you are enough just as you are. 

2. Avoid comparisons

It’s human nature to compare yourself to others, but in most instances, you learn to let it go or use it as a motivating factor rather than feel “less than.” A Type 4 continuously engages in self-comparison that causes frustration and a defeatist attitude. To grow, focus on your own path rather than comparing yourself to others. Remember that everyone has struggles, and no one’s life is perfect.

3. Find healthy outlets for emotion

Since Fours experience emotions deeply, it’s important to find healthy ways to express those feelings. This might include journaling, creating art, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist. Finding outlets for your emotions can help you constructively process them.

4. Embrace structure

As an Enneagram Type 4, you should add structure to your life to help you stay focused. Whether it’s setting goals for your creative projects or developing routines, structure can provide a sense of stability that allows your imagination to flourish. 

Enneagram Type 4 Careers and Hobbies

Best Jobs for Type 4s

As a Type 4, you’ll feel most fulfilled in careers that allow you to be creative, emotionally engaged, and authentic. Here are some career paths that resonate with your personality:

• Artist: Whether you’re a painter, musician, writer, or actor, careers in the arts are a natural fit for Fours. Your emotional depth and inventiveness allow you to explore complex themes and express feelings in ways that resonate with others.
• Therapist or counselor: Fours have a natural ability to empathize with others and understand their emotional experiences. Working as a therapist or counselor lets you use this strength to help people navigate their own emotional challenges while offering support.
• Graphic designer or illustrator: In creative fields like graphic design or illustration, Fours can express their artistic side while working in a structured environment. These careers offer a balance between creativity and practical work that helps Fours feel both accomplished and authentic.
• Writer or poet: With your emotional intelligence and vivid imagination, writing allows you to put your thoughts and feelings into words. Whether it’s fiction, poetry, or personal essays, writing helps you explore your inner world while sharing your unique perspectives with others.
• Fashion designer: Fours enjoy creating beauty through personal style and expression. A career in fashion design allows you to turn your passion for individuality into a profession where you can create pieces that reflect your unique aesthetic vision.
• Film director or photographer: Fours have a keen eye for beauty and emotion, which can make them exceptional storytellers in visual mediums like film or photography. These careers help you communicate your inner world through images.

Best Hobbies and Interests for Type 4s

Fours are drawn to activities that inspire and help them connet with others. If you’re looking for a hobby that resonates with your character, the following activities are recommended for Type 4s: 

• Creative writing: Whether it’s keeping a journal, writing poetry, or crafting short stories, writing is an excellent outlet for a Type 4’s deep emotions and need for self-expression. It allows you to explore your thoughts and feelings in an introspective and artistic way.
• Painting or drawing: Visual arts, like painting or drawing, allow Fours to bring their emotional world to life through colors, shapes, and textures. It’s a deeply personal and rewarding way to express the things that words sometimes can’t capture.
• Music (playing or composing): Whether you play an instrument or enjoy composing music, engaging with melodies helps you constructively channel your emotions. Music provides a cathartic release for Fours as they can express joy, sadness, and everything in between through sound.
• Photography: For those with a visual gift, photography makes it easier to capture the beauty you see in the world. It’s an opportunity to express yourself and show the emotions behind everyday scenes, landscapes, or people.
• Film or theater: Fours who enjoy performing or directing may be drawn to theater or film. These hobbies allow you to explore complex emotions and tell meaningful stories, all while using your creativity and artistic talents.
• Meditation or yoga: Given the emotional intensity that Fours experience, practices like meditation or yoga can be beneficial for grounding yourself. These hobbies help you reconnect with your body and mind, giving you a space to find peace and emotional balance.
• Collecting art or vintage items: Fours have a keen appreciation for beauty, particularly in unique or rare objects. Collecting art, antiques, or vintage items can be a hobby that allows you to indulge your love for aesthetically pleasing and one-of-a-kind items.

Enneagram Type 4 Compatibility and Relationships

Fours seek deep, meaningful connections in both their romantic and work relationships. They desire partners and colleagues who appreciate their emotional intensity and creative edge. Let’s explore how Type Fours relate to others in both romantic and professional settings.

The Best Enneagram Matches for Type 4s 

Fours are emotional and introspective, seeking romantic partners who can appreciate their depth and offer emotional support. They thrive with partners who are understanding, empathetic, and willing to explore the complexities of emotions. Here are some of the best matches for a Type 4 in a romantic relationship:

• Type 9 (The Peacemaker): Type 9s bring a calming presence to the intensity of a Four. Nines are patient and accepting, allowing Fours the emotional space to express themselves. This pairing creates a balanced relationship where the Four’s emotional highs and lows are met with the Nine’s stability and tranquility.
• Type 1 (The Perfectionist): A Type 1 values integrity, which appeals to the Four’s need for authenticity. This relationship is built on mutual respect for values and ideals, with the Type 4 providing emotional depth and the Type 1 offering structure and purpose. The combination of the Four’s creativity and the One’s drive for perfection can lead to a dynamic and enriching partnership.
• Type 2 (The Helper): Type 2s are known as helpers because they’re nurturing and empathetic, which complements the emotional depth of a Type 4. In this relationship, the Two provides emotional support, helping the Four feel valued and understood. In return, the Four’s sensitivity allows them to appreciate and cherish the nurturing nature of the Two. 

Best Enneagram Matches for Type 4s at Work

Type Fours work best with colleagues who appreciate their input and provide balance when needed. Here are some of the best work pairings for a Type Four:

• Type 3 (The Achiever): Type 3s are driven, goal-oriented, and focused on success. They complement Type 4s by bringing structure and motivation to the workplace. While the Four contributes creativity and vision, the Three provides focus and a sense of direction. This dynamic allows the Four to express themselves while staying on track with professional goals.
• Type 5 (The Investigator): Type 5s are intellectual and analytical. In the workplace, a Five’s logical thinking can ground a Four’s emotional depth, leading to a balanced and productive partnership. Fours bring creativity, while Fives provide critical thinking and analysis. Together, they make a strong team in problem-solving and innovative projects.
• Type 7 (The Enthusiast): Type 7s bring excitement, enthusiasm, and a sense of adventure to the workplace. This can help Fours break out of their introspective tendencies and embrace new experiences. Sevens encourage Fours to explore possibilities and think outside the box, creating a work environment where creativity flourishes. Together, they develop a motivated and innovative team.

Compatibility with Other Enneagram Types

While Fours naturally connect with certain types in romantic and work relationships, they can form meaningful connections with other Enneagram types too. Here’s a look at how Fours relates to the types not already mentioned:

• Type 4 vs other Type 4s (The Individualist): When two Fours get together, the relationship is built on a mutual understanding of emotional depth. Both colleagues prioritize individualism, but they must avoid becoming absorbed in their own emotional worlds. By supporting each other’s creative endeavors and fostering open communication, this pairing can be highly successful.
• Type 4 vs Type 6 (The Loyalist): Type Sixes bring loyalty, security, and a sense of commitment to the relationship. Fours appreciate the Six’s steadfast nature, particularly when they feel emotionally vulnerable. In return, the Four provides emotional insight and creativity that the Six might not always feel comfortable expressing. This pairing works well when both types can lean on each other for support.
• Type 4 vs Type 8 (The Challenger): Type 8s are strong, assertive, and direct, but they admire the authenticity and passion of a Four. In turn, a Type 4 appreciates the Eight’s strength and decisiveness. Together, they can create a powerful and balanced dynamic, with the Eight offering protection and confidence in contrast to the Four’s emotional depth and sensitivity.
• Type 4 vs Type 9 (The Peacemaker): Despite Type 4s and Type 9s being romantic matches, they can work well together professionally. Nines offer stability and a calming presence, helping Fours stay grounded in stressful work situations. In return, Fours offer creative ideas and emotional insight, making the workplace more dynamic and innovative.
• Type 4 vs Type 1 (The Perfectionist): Fours and Ones can collaborate effectively in the workplace. The Type 4s bring creativity, while Type 1s focus on organization and structure. This balance allows both types to accomplish tasks with emotional expression and practical execution.

Famous Enneagram Type 4 Celebrities and Fictional Characters

Interestingly, Enneagram Type 4s are found among real-life creatives and iconic fictional characters. Whether through their artistic talents or their distinct personalities, these famous Enneagram Type 4s stand out as individuals who embrace their emotions and express their true selves. Let’s explore some of the most popular Type 4 fictional and non-fictional characters: 

Famous Enneagram Type 4 Celebrities

• Prince: The legendary musician Prince embodied the creativity and individuality of a Type 4. Known for his flamboyant style, emotional music, and reinvention, Prince expressed his uniqueness on and off stage, making him a quintessential “Individualist.”
• Rihanna: The globally successful pop star Rihanna is often linked to Enneagram Type 4 for her bold creativity, fashion influence, and ability to reinvent her image. Her emotional vulnerability in her music and a strong sense of self-expression reflects the core traits of a Type 4.
• Prince Charles: As a member of the British royal family, Prince Charles is known for his introspective and thoughtful nature. His passion for the arts and environmentalism and his sense of individuality within a traditional institution give rise to the Type 4.
• Amy Winehouse: Amy Winehouse’s music is described as emotionally intense, which is a clear reflection of her Type 4 personality. Her struggles with her emotions and self-expression were central to her life and art, making her a deeply relatable figure for many Type 4s.

Famous Enneagram Type 4 Fictional Characters

• Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender): Zuko’s emotional journey in Avatar: The Last Airbender is filled with inner conflict, deep reflection, and a search for identity. His struggle to reconcile his feelings of inadequacy with his desire for redemption makes him a relatable Type 4 character.
• Eleven (Stranger Things): Eleven from Stranger Things exhibits the emotional intensity and need for self-expression typical of a Type 4. Her journey of self-discovery, grappling with her past, and desire to belong reflect the core emotional struggles of Fours.
• Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter): Luna Lovegood is an iconic Type 4 character in the Harry Potter series. Her eccentric style, emotional sensitivity, and ability to embrace her uniqueness even when others don’t understand her make her a perfect example of an “Individualist.”

Frequently-Asked Questions 

What MBTI type is the Enneagram Type 4?

Enneagram Type 4 is commonly associated with the MBTI’s Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Prospecting (INFP) traits in addition to the Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving (ISFP) personality types. These types focus on individuality, emotional depth, and creativity, aligning with the core traits of Type 4s. Additionally, 4w5 is linked to the INFP (The Bohemian), while 4w3 is linked to the ENFP (The Aristocrat), based on the correlation chart.

Can Type 4s be independent?

Yes, Type 4s value their independence and prefer to stand out from the crowd and pursue their own paths. However, they also seek deep, meaningful connections with others who understand and appreciate their individuality.

Do Type 4s struggle with envy?

Yes, envy is a common emotional struggle for Type 4s. They often compare themselves to others, feeling like something essential is missing in their lives. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or longing for what others possess.

What are the best careers for Enneagram Type 4?

Careers that allow for creativity and self-expression are ideal for Type 4s. Some of the best career options include artist, writer, therapist, fashion designer, and counselor. Fours excel in environments where they can explore their emotions and express their originality. If you want to learn more about Type 4s and career matches, check our section about the best jobs for Enneagram Type 4 above. 

Conclusion 

The Enneagram Type 4 is one of the more common personality types; however, they possess a distinct combination of emotional, creative, and expressive traits that add to the complexity of this type. 

While Type 4s can make exceptional emotional connections and they care deeply about their loved ones, their introspective nature and tendency towards self-comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and create a negative self-image. The ongoing desire to fulfill what they perceive is missing in their lives is detrimental to their true happiness. 

Fortunately, a Type 4 can manage these shortcomings by learning how to balance their emotions and accept themselves without condition. Some of the most famous Enneagram Type 4s, including Prince and Rihanna, have used their sense of originality and emotionally expressive natures to excel in their careers. 

Ultimately, Type 4s can be successful in their personal and professional lives when they focus on balance and self-acceptance. They should always find healthy ways of channeling their thoughts, feelings, and energy to avoid discontent and melancholy.