What is Riso Hudson Enneagram Type? Complete Explained
Introduction
The Riso Hudson Enneagram Type system is one of the most trusted and widely-used personality models in modern psychology and self-development. It was developed by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson, the founders of The Enneagram Institute.
Whether you’re trying to understand your own personality, improve relationships, or enhance emotional intelligence… the Riso-Hudson system offers a deeper understanding of why you think, feel, and act the way you do.
In this powerful guide, I’ll walk you through:
✔ The 9 Riso Hudson Enneagram Types
✔ Their core fears, motivations, and strengths
✔ Wings, instincts, and growth paths
✔ Comparison tables
✔ Expert-level FAQs
Let’s begin, sweetheart. 🌸
What Is the Riso Hudson Enneagram System?
The Riso-Hudson Enneagram is a personality mapping system that divides human behavior into 9 core types, each shaped by deep emotional motivations.
It helps you understand:
- Your core personality structure
- Why you feel certain emotional patterns
- Your growth (integration) and stress (disintegration) points
- How to develop psychologically and spiritually
- How to improve relationships and communication
This system is widely used in:
- Coaching
- Therapy
- Leadership training
- Emotional intelligence programs
- Personal development
The 9 Riso Hudson Enneagram Types (Overview Table)
| Type | Name | Core Fear | Core Desire | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | The Reformer | Being corrupt/wrong | To be good | Discipline, integrity |
| Type 2 | The Helper | Being unwanted | To be loved | Caring, supportive |
| Type 3 | The Achiever | Failure | To succeed | Confidence, productivity |
| Type 4 | The Individualist | Being insignificant | To find identity | Creativity, depth |
| Type 5 | The Investigator | Being overwhelmed | To be capable | Logic, observation |
| Type 6 | The Loyalist | Insecurity | To feel safe | Loyalty, preparedness |
| Type 7 | The Enthusiast | Pain/deprivation | Freedom and joy | Optimism, energy |
| Type 8 | The Challenger | Weakness | To be strong | Leadership, protection |
| Type 9 | The Peacemaker | Conflict | Inner peace | Harmony, calm nature |
Detailed Breakdown: Riso Hudson Enneagram Types
1. Type One – The Reformer
Type Ones are principled, responsible, and motivated to improve the world.
They aim for perfection and want to live with integrity.
Core traits
- Moral
- Organized
- Self-disciplined
Weaknesses
- Self-critical
- Judgmental
- Perfectionistic
2. Type Two – The Helper
Warm, caring, generous souls who want to be loved and needed.
Strengths
- Empathetic
- Supportive
- Relationship-oriented
Challenges
- People-pleasing
- Difficulty saying no
3. Type Three – The Achiever
Ambitious, image-focused, and success-driven.
Strengths
- High-performance
- Motivational
- Confident
Weaknesses
- Workaholic
- Fear of failure
4. Type Four – The Individualist
Unique, artistic, and emotionally deep.
Strengths
- Creative
- Authentic
Challenges
- Moodiness
- Feeling misunderstood
5. Type Five – The Investigator
Logical, private, and intellectually driven.
Strengths
- Analytical
- Independent
Weaknesses
- Isolation
- Emotional detachment
6. Type Six – The Loyalist
Security-focused, responsible, and loyal.
Strengths
- Prepared
- Trustworthy
Weaknesses
- Anxiety
- Overthinking
7. Type Seven – The Enthusiast
Adventurous, optimistic, and spontaneous.
Strengths
- Fun-loving
- Quick-thinking
Challenges
- Avoids emotional pain
- Impulsiveness
8. Type Eight – The Challenger
Powerful, assertive, protective leaders.
Strengths
- Courageous
- Decisive
Weaknesses
- Aggressive
- Controlling tendencies
9. Type Nine – The Peacemaker
Calm, stable, and harmony-driven.
Strengths
- Easygoing
- Accepting
Weaknesses
- Avoids conflict
- Passive behavior
Riso Hudson Enneagram – Centers of Intelligence
| Center | Types | Primary Emotion |
|---|---|---|
| Gut Center | 8, 9, 1 | Anger |
| Heart Center | 2, 3, 4 | Shame |
| Head Center | 5, 6, 7 | Fear |
Wings in the Riso Hudson System
Each type is influenced by the types next to it.
Example:
- Type 5 has wing 4 (5w4) or wing 6 (5w6)
- Type 9 has wing 8 (9w8) or wing 1 (9w1)
This adds flavor to personality.
Riso-Hudson Levels of Development
One of their unique contributions is the 9 Levels of Development:
Healthy Levels (1–3)
- Balanced
- Self-aware
- Emotionally intelligent
Average Levels (4–6)
- Reactive
- Struggling with ego patterns
Unhealthy Levels (7–9)
- Defensive
- Extreme behavior
- Emotional instability
How the Riso Hudson Enneagram Helps You
✔ Better emotional intelligence
✔ Improve communication
✔ Build stronger relationships
✔ Understand fears and motivations
✔ Personal growth roadmap
FAQ – Riso Hudson Enneagram Type
1. What is the Riso Hudson Enneagram Type system?
It’s a personality classification method that defines nine basic types with emotional motivations, fears, and growth paths.
2. Who created the Riso Hudson system?
Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson from The Enneagram Institute.
3. Is this system scientifically supported?
While not a clinical tool, it is widely used in coaching, therapy, leadership, and human behavior research.
4. How do I find my Enneagram type?
You can use The Enneagram Institute’s RHETI Test, professional assessments, or self-observation.
5. What are wings?
Wings are the two neighboring types that influence your core type.
Conclusion
The Riso Hudson Enneagram Type system is an incredibly powerful model for self-knowledge and emotional development. It reveals how you behave, why you react emotionally, and how you can grow into the best version of yourself.
