Individuals who identify as Enneagram Type Nine, commonly known as The Peacemaker, are characterized by their receptive, accommodating nature and their deep desire for internal and external harmony. Riso and Hudson (1999) describe Nines as "receptive, reassuring, and agreeable" individuals who are motivated by a need to maintain inner stability and peace of mind while avoiding conflict, tension, and disruption. Type Nine belongs to the Body Center (also called the Instinctive or Gut Triad) alongside Types Eight and One. Like their Body Center counterparts, Nines are fundamentally concerned with anger and instinctual energy, but their characteristic strategy for managing these forces is suppression: Nines fall asleep to their own anger, desires, and priorities in order to maintain a sense of harmony with their environment.
Naranjo (1994) identifies the core passion of Type Nine as sloth, understood not as physical laziness but as a profound inertia regarding the self. Nines are not typically lazy in the conventional sense; many are hardworking and productive. Rather, their sloth manifests as a neglect of their own inner life, priorities, and development. They tend to "go along to get along," merging with others' agendas, numbing themselves to their own desires, and avoiding the friction that would come from asserting a distinct, separate self. Riso and Hudson (1999) describe this as a kind of self-forgetting in which the Nine's own identity becomes diffused into the identities of those around them.
Palmer (1988) emphasizes the Nine's characteristic pattern of merging with others and with comfortable routines. Nines often report difficulty distinguishing their own opinions, preferences, and desires from those of the people closest to them. They may adopt the enthusiasm of a partner, the priorities of a colleague, or the worldview of a friend without fully recognizing that they are doing so. This merging serves the Nine's need for connection and harmony but comes at the cost of self-knowledge and self-assertion. Palmer observes that Nines may substitute secondary comforts, such as food, television, or repetitive activities, for the primary satisfaction of pursuing their own genuine goals.
Empirical research on Type Nine specifically is limited, consistent with the broader state of Enneagram research noted by Hook et al. (2021) in their systematic review. However, Newgent et al. (2004) found acceptable psychometric properties for the RHETI Nine scale. Daniels et al. (2018) observed that Enneagram study facilitated ego development, which is especially relevant for Nines, whose growth path centrally involves waking up to their own agency, desires, and capacity for self-directed action.
Loss of connection, fragmentation, and separation; fear of conflict, tension, and being shut out or overlooked
To have inner stability and peace of mind; to be harmonious, connected, and at ease with the world
To create harmony in their environment, to avoid conflicts and tension, to preserve things as they are, to resist whatever would upset or disturb them
Common Traits
- Easygoing and accommodating
- Receptive and reassuring
- Conflict-avoidant and complacent
- Self-effacing and agreeable
- Tendency to merge with others' wishes
- Stubborn through passive resistance
- Difficulty asserting own priorities
Levels of Development
Riso and Hudson's (1999) Levels of Development trace the spectrum of Type Nine functioning, from autonomous, self-possessed presence at healthy levels to dissociated, neglectful self-abandonment at unhealthy levels.
Healthy Levels
At the healthiest levels, Nines become self-possessed, autonomous, and powerfully present. They develop a clear sense of their own identity, priorities, and desires while maintaining their natural capacity for empathy and receptiveness. Riso and Hudson (1999) describe healthy Nines as unifying figures who bring people together through their genuine even-handedness and lack of pretension. They become dynamic and engaged, channeling their substantial but often dormant energy into meaningful pursuits. At their best, Nines embody a serene, grounded strength that is neither passive nor aggressive but truly peaceful from a position of conscious choice rather than avoidance.
Average Levels
At average levels, Nines become increasingly disengaged, accommodating, and conflict-avoidant. They begin to minimize problems, avoid making waves, and defer to others' preferences in order to preserve an increasingly tenuous sense of harmony. Riso and Hudson (1999) observe that average Nines develop a characteristic quality of "tuning out," becoming emotionally absent even while physically present. They may procrastinate on important decisions, diffuse their energy across trivial activities, and become stubborn through passive resistance rather than direct opposition. The Nine's anger, rather than disappearing, goes underground, manifesting as stubbornness, passive-aggression, or a maddening imperturbability.
Unhealthy Levels
At unhealthy levels, Nines can become dissociated, neglectful, and profoundly self-abandoning. Their characteristic self-forgetting intensifies into a near-complete loss of self, as they become unable to distinguish what they want, feel, or need from the demands and expectations of their environment. Riso and Hudson (1999) note that severely unhealthy Nines may become helplessly dependent, depersonalized, and chronically numb, losing the capacity to take any effective action on their own behalf. Their suppressed anger may erupt in sudden, disproportionate outbursts that shock both themselves and others, revealing the immense reservoir of unexpressed feeling beneath their placid exterior.
Type 9 in Relationships
In relational contexts, individuals who identify as Type Nine often bring warmth, patience, acceptance, and a genuine willingness to accommodate their partner's needs. Riso and Hudson (1999) observe that Nines are typically easygoing, nonjudgmental, and supportive partners who create a safe, comfortable relational environment. Their natural empathy and receptiveness allow them to understand and validate their partner's perspective with remarkable ease. Nines often serve as stabilizing presences in relationships, offering a calm counterpoint to more reactive or intense partners.
The central challenge for Nines in relationships involves their tendency to merge with their partner's identity and suppress their own needs. Palmer (1988) notes that Nines may unconsciously adopt their partner's preferences, opinions, and priorities, gradually losing touch with their own distinct desires and voice. This merging can initially feel comfortable and harmonious, but over time it may lead to resentment, passive-aggressive behavior, and a growing sense of invisible frustration. Partners may find it difficult to know what the Nine actually wants, as Nines themselves may not know. The Nine's conflict avoidance can also prevent important issues from being addressed, allowing problems to fester beneath a surface of apparent calm.
When functioning at healthier levels, Nines develop the capacity to maintain their own perspective and priorities while remaining genuinely open to their partner's experience. Riso and Hudson (1999) suggest that the Nine's growth in relationships involves learning to assert their needs directly, even at the risk of temporary disharmony, recognizing that authentic peace requires honest engagement rather than passive accommodation. Nines who cultivate this capacity become extraordinarily balanced and genuinely harmonious partners, bringing a quality of deep acceptance that is freely chosen rather than passively defaulted to.
Wings
9w8 – The Referee
The 9w8 combines the Peacemaker's desire for harmony with the Challenger's assertive energy and instinctual force. Individuals with this wing tend to be more grounded, stubborn, and physically present than the 9w1. Riso and Hudson (1996) note that 9w8s often possess a quiet but formidable strength, capable of sudden forcefulness when their boundaries are crossed or when they perceive injustice. The Eight wing lends an earthy, sensory quality and a greater comfort with anger and confrontation than most Nines experience. At their best, 9w8s are powerful mediators; at lower levels, they may alternate between passive accommodation and surprising eruptions of anger.
9w1 – The Dreamer
The 9w1 merges the Peacemaker's receptivity and desire for harmony with the Reformer's idealism and sense of purpose. Individuals with this wing tend to be more orderly, principled, and quietly purposeful than the 9w8. Riso and Hudson (1996) describe 9w1s as often drawn to idealistic causes and structured environments where they can contribute meaningfully without direct confrontation. The One wing introduces a greater sense of right and wrong and a more active engagement with standards and principles, though it can also intensify the Nine's inner critic. At their best, 9w1s bring a gentle, principled steadiness to everything they do.
Growth Direction
Type 9 moves toward Type 3 in growth, becoming more self-developing, energetic, and actively engaged in pursuing their own goals
In the Enneagram's dynamic movement system, Type Nine moves toward Type Three in the direction of integration and growth. Riso and Hudson (1999) describe this movement as the Nine waking up to their own value, developing ambition, and actively pursuing their own goals rather than drifting along with others' agendas. As Nines integrate toward Three, they become more self-developing, energetic, and willing to take center stage in their own lives. They develop the capacity to set and achieve personal goals, present themselves confidently, and take concrete action toward their own aspirations. Palmer (1988) notes that this integration involves the Nine reclaiming the vital energy they have been suppressing, channeling it into purposeful, self-directed activity.
Stress Direction
Type 9 moves toward Type 6 in stress, becoming anxious, worried, and rigidly dependent on external structures for security
Under significant stress, Type Nine moves toward the unhealthy characteristics of Type Six. Riso and Hudson (1999) observe that stressed Nines may become anxious, worried, and rigidly dependent on external structures for a sense of security they can no longer generate internally. The typically calm and self-effacing Nine becomes reactive, suspicious, and prone to worst-case-scenario thinking. Naranjo (1994) suggests that this disintegration represents the collapse of the Nine's primary strategy of maintaining peace through self-suppression, as the suppressed anxiety and anger that were held at bay begin to break through, leaving the Nine feeling unmoored and desperately seeking external anchors.
Paths of Growth
One of the most essential growth practices for individuals who identify as Type Nine involves developing awareness of their own desires, opinions, and priorities. Riso and Hudson (1999) recommend that Nines regularly ask themselves, "What do I actually want?" and practice sitting with the discomfort that this question often produces. Many Nines report that they genuinely do not know what they want, having spent so long accommodating others that their own preferences have become inaccessible. Journaling, somatic awareness practices, and exercises that require choosing a preference without consulting others can help Nines reconnect with their inner life.
Nines also benefit from practicing direct self-assertion, particularly in situations where they would typically defer to keep the peace. Palmer (1988) suggests that Nines experiment with stating their opinion first in conversations, making decisions without waiting for others' input, and expressing disagreement when it arises rather than suppressing it. This practice directly addresses the Nine's core pattern of self-forgetting and builds the assertive capacity associated with their growth direction toward Type Three.
Daniels et al. (2018) found that structured Enneagram study supported ego development, which is centrally relevant for Nines, whose developmental journey involves moving from a diffused, merged sense of self toward autonomous, self-directed personhood. Physical activity, particularly vigorous exercise or competitive sports, can also be beneficial for Nines, as these activities activate the instinctual energy that the Nine characteristically suppresses and provide a direct experience of their own agency and vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
If Nines avoid conflict, does that mean they never get angry?
Type Nines absolutely experience anger; they are, after all, a Body Center type for whom anger is the primary emotional concern. However, Riso and Hudson (1999) explain that Nines characteristically suppress their anger, often to the point of losing conscious access to it. This does not mean the anger disappears. It typically manifests indirectly as passive-aggressive behavior, stubbornness, withdrawal, or occasional sudden eruptions that surprise everyone, including the Nine. Palmer (1988) notes that one of the Nine's primary growth tasks is learning to recognize and express their anger constructively rather than allowing it to accumulate underground.
What is the difference between a Nine's 'sloth' and actual laziness?
Naranjo (1994) makes a critical distinction between the Nine's core passion of sloth and conventional laziness. Many Nines are highly productive, even workaholics, in areas that serve others' agendas or maintain comfortable routines. The sloth specific to Type Nine refers to inertia regarding the self: a neglect of one's own development, priorities, desires, and inner life. A Nine may work tirelessly at their job while completely neglecting their own creative ambitions, health, or emotional needs. The sloth is about self-forgetting and self-neglect, not about a lack of activity.
How can you tell the difference between a Nine and a Two?
Both Nines and Twos can appear accommodating, warm, and focused on others' needs, but their underlying motivations differ. Riso and Hudson (1999) explain that Twos actively seek connection and appreciation by giving to others, often with an expectation (conscious or unconscious) of receiving love in return. Nines accommodate others primarily to avoid conflict and maintain inner peace, often without awareness that they are doing so. Twos move toward people with emotional energy and intention; Nines merge with people through passive absorption. Additionally, Twos are Heart Center types managing shame through relationship, while Nines are Body Center types managing anger through self-suppression.