A PDP Map
Most people don’t know their inner operating system (that makes complete sense and is trying to keep them safe). So in relationships we don’t know there are two personality pathways and they are intersecting to create a predictable pattern of reacting. A couple’s Dynamics, are a result of their Neurobiology (temperament and innate tendencies), AND their unconscious motivations that drive where their Attention in the world goes. We need to know our own PDP map and the way to growth.
When I discovered a comprehensive personality framework 20 years ago, I realised I had found a map of the human condition to make sense of myself and relationships. Finally, not only did my family of origin make sense, so did all the challenges of my past and current relationships. It was so validating, enlightening and empowering.
Dr Daniel Siegel in 2010 stated there are “scientific underpinnings to our habitual responses” that create a set number of developmental pathways, or patterns of emotion, cognition and behaviour. Then, in 2024 in his latest book, Wholeness and Personality: 9 Patterns of Developmental Pathways”, Dr Siegel presented the findings of their ‘Brain Group’, after twenty years of research to determine scientifically the Enneagram’s basis. So we know have an interpersonal neurobiology-informed framework that supports the Enneagram and provides evidence that depending on our temperament and innate tendencies we each develop along one of of 9 Patterns of Developmental Pathways (PDPs). This PDP framework supports the Enneagram in providing evidence there are three main motivational vectors in human nature, agency, bonding and certainty, and 3 ways we guide where our attention goes – inwards, outwards or both, dyadic, and 3 main aversive emotions, anger, distress and fear that we try, in 3 ways, to either shift/reframe, suppress (contain & channel) or experience & express (tendencies of our nervous system). Therefore, 3 plus 3 plus 3 equals 9 pathways. Interestingly, we tend to have more energy around a particular location in our body alot of the time (ALEAF- Anatomical Location of Energy and Information Flow (Dr Dan Siegel) around either our head, heart or gut which may correlate with our core motivation (vector) of either Agency, Bonding or Certainty. Growth is partly about moving attention to all areas of our body to take in information, and developing helpful strategies to get all our core needs met, not some at the expense of others.
So each of us differ according to what what we care about and care less about, what we notice and what we don’t notice, and how we manage our emotions and needs. When we know our own PDP and others’ then our dynamics make sense! And we can understand ourselves more deeply, knowing how to integrate and grow into our wholeness…knowing our triggers and predicting our challenges, predicting our needs and changing our reactions, and compassionately creating strategies that work for both of us to grow and be our most loving, non defended selves.
3 motivational needs into 9 Developmental Pathways
Beliefs underpinning the Patterns of Developmental Pathways (PDPs)
Core beliefs act as an unconscious filter that accept only information that supports our beliefs – so we miss certain information that would give us alternative, more balanced, more accurate views – and these beliefs shape our life – what we feel, need, what triggers us and how we react. The core beliefs are inaccurate – false – but feel real – until we compassionately explore them …
Core motivational vector- seeking certainty/security – and wanting to avoid fear
- Preparing/ Detached Strategy – The world is intrusive. I have limited time and energy I must protect – so I am independent, self-sufficient, private. FEAR: emotional intrusions. Suppress fear
- Questioning/Loyal Strategy – The world is unsafe – I must be cautious and wary of people and situations, and loyal to gain trust. FEAR: they can’t cope if blindsided. Express fear
- Seeking/Adventuring Strategy – The world is full of opportunities that need to be taken advantage of – life is to be enjoyed/pain avoided. I feel best when Im interested/ stimulated/ have choice. FEAR: of being trapped/no options. Reframe fear
Core motivational vector – seeking bonding/connection – and wanting to avoid distress
- Caregiving/to be needed Strategy – People will be loved if they give – I must support and help others, minimise and not focus on my own needs, only focus on identifying and meeting others needs. FEAR: not being needed. Reframe distress
- Producing/Performing/Achieving Strategy – I must prove my value and worth – I must perform, be successful, competent, productive, recognized, I must be seen at my best, impress others. FEAR: not being of value. Suppress distress
- Immersing/Differentiating Strategy – I am ‘different’ to others– I like to be unique, special (not ordinary) (to unconsciously draw attention and be loved). FEAR: being abandoned/rejected. Express distress
Core motivational vector-– seeking agency/control – and wanting to avoid anger
- Directing/Strong Strategy – The powerful take advantage, only the strong survive – so I must be powerful, strong, not weak/ vulnerable, respected. FEAR: being vulnerable/weak. Express anger
- Harmonizing/Go along Strategy – Anger and conflict is frightening and disconnects people – I must be peaceful, calm – blend in, don’t rock the boat, go with the flow. FEAR: conflict. Reframe anger
- Mapping/Correcting Strategy – People should be good, moral and fair – I must be be above reproach, correct error, have strong morals & principles. FEAR: error they can’t correct/imperfection. Supress anger
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