Enneagram Sexual Four: The Intense Four
Enneagram Fours are seekers of depth, identity, and authenticity. They long to be truly seen and understood, while fearing they are fundamentally flawed or lacking. But each subtype of Four expresses that longing in a different way, shaped by the dominant instinct.
The Sexual Four (SX4) has been nicknamed “Competition,” a term used by Enneagram teacher Beatrice Chestnut in The Complete Enneagram, based on psychiatrist Claudio Naranjo’s work with subtypes. “Competition” reflects the Sexual 4’s fiery energy—their tendency to measure themselves against others, fueled by envy, passion, and a drive to stand out.
For accessibility, I’ll also call this subtype “The Intense Four.” This phrase captures the Sexual 4’s emotional force, dramatic presence, and desire to channel envy into passion and intensity.
In this post, we’ll explore the defining traits of the Sexual Four, how they show up in relationships and work, how they differ from the other Four subtypes, and what growth looks like for them.
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The Sexual Four at a Glance
At their core, Fours want to be authentic and significant. They fear being ordinary, flawed, or unnoticed.
The passion of Type Four is envy—a painful focus on what others have and they lack.
When the Sexual instinct leads, this envy turns fiery. Sexual 4s often compare themselves to others not only with longing, but also with a competitive edge. They want to stand out, to be special, and to channel their passion into relationships, creativity, or achievement.
🔑 Key themes for Sexual 4s include:
Intensity
They approach life with emotional force and drama.Competition
They compare themselves to others and strive to excel.Passion
Their envy becomes fuel for self-expression and ambition.Magnetism
They draw others in with fiery presence and emotional depth.
In short: Sexual 4s are the most passionate, dramatic, and competitive expression of the Four.
Strengths and Challenges of Sexual 4s
The Intense Individualist brings powerful gifts, but also real struggles.
💪 Strengths
Passionate drive
They pour energy into creativity, relationships, or causes.Magnetic presence
Their intensity makes them captivating and inspiring.Courage to stand out
They are less afraid of being visible than other Fours.Transformative creativity
Their passion often fuels artistry and innovation.
⚠️ Challenges
Emotional volatility
Their intensity can overwhelm themselves and others.Harsh comparison
They may constantly measure themselves against others, fueling envy.Perfectionistic pressure
Their desire to excel can become self-destructive.Relational drama
Their intensity can create turbulence in close relationships.
Sexual 4s often inspire others with their fire—but may also exhaust themselves and those close to them if they don’t balance intensity with grounding.
Sexual 4s in Relationships and Work
How does this subtype show up in daily life? Let’s look at relationships and work together, since the themes overlap.
❤️ In Relationships
Sexual 4s bring passion, depth, and intensity to relationships. They long for powerful, transformative bonds and often create an atmosphere of drama and excitement.
But their competitiveness and emotional volatility can create challenges. They may idealize or devalue partners, struggle with jealousy, or expect relationships to carry the weight of their longing for significance.
Growth in relationships means practicing stability and vulnerability, allowing connection to deepen without constant drama.
💼 At Work
In professional life, Sexual 4s thrive in fields that reward creativity, intensity, and visibility. They may shine as artists, leaders, or innovators. Their passion often drives them to excel, especially when they can channel envy into motivation.
However, they may struggle with burnout, perfectionism, or competitiveness with colleagues. Their growth edge at work is to balance passion with discipline and to anchor their worth beyond external comparison.
How Sexual 4s Differ from Other Type Four Subtypes
Each Four subtype expresses envy differently:
Sexual 4 vs. Self-Preservation 4:
Self-Preservation 4s endure hardship with stoic persistence.
Sexual 4s channel envy into fiery passion and competition.
Self-Preservation 4s are grounded and tough; Sexual 4s are dramatic and intense.
Sexual 4 vs. Social 4:
Social 4s display suffering and comparison visibly, often with vulnerability.
Sexual 4s display envy with fire, drama, and competitiveness.
Social 4s appear vulnerable; Sexual 4s appear bold and fiery.
This explains why some Fours look contained and stoic, others are visibly emotional, and others are passionately intense.
The Growth Path for Sexual 4s
For the Sexual Four, growth means moving from envy-driven intensity to grounded authenticity.
Key growth practices include:
Ground the fire:
Pair passion with steadiness to avoid burnout.Release comparison:
Notice when envy drives competition and redirect toward creativity.Practice vulnerability:
Allow softness and tenderness, not just drama.Anchor in authenticity:
Remember that significance comes from being, not just excelling.
When Sexual 4s balance passion with grounding, they become truly transformative—using their fire to inspire without consuming themselves or others.
Final Thoughts
The Sexual Four—Competition, or the Intense Four—is passionate, dramatic, and magnetic. They channel envy into drive and creativity, standing out with fiery presence. Yet their growth lies in grounding their intensity, embracing vulnerability, and remembering that authenticity matters more than comparison.
If you resonate with this subtype, you might ask yourself:
“Am I chasing significance through competition—or am I allowing my true self to shine?”
Want to explore all 27 Enneagram subtypes and see how they shape behavior, relationships, and growth?
👉 Download my free Enneagram Subtypes Guide here.
