Type 5’s Blind spots and Solutions
1. Knowledge is unable to deal with all of the Outer World’s scenarios.
Type 5s spend a lot of time researching information so that they know how to deal with circumstances. They search for abstract high-level theoretical frameworks. Examples of abstract high-level theoretical frameworks include mind maps, general problem-solving techniques, and principles etc.
Type 5’s motivation to seek out high-level theoretical frameworks are three-fold:
a. They fear that if they do not know something, they will not be equipped to handle it.
b. Life has too many scenarios and situations and it is daunting for Type 5s who like to explain, plan for, and solve all of them.
c. General frameworks enable them to employ informed problem-solving strategies to wider use cases since the more abstract the framework is, the more generalized it is.
Type 5s then craft out specific solutions based on the implications of the high-level theoretical framework. These solutions can be directly imported from the suggestions that the theory provides, or customized based on their specific lifestyle factors.
Type 5s also prepare for foreseen contingencies during their solution formulation since they are cognizant that theoretical frameworks can fail in the outer world. They also prepare If-Then solutions to deal with deviations from the framework.
The problem arises when deviations from the framework arise either because it is unforeseen, the solution fails to meet its intended outcome, or the framework totally fails to explain the problem. Such deviations cause Type 5s to become fearful due to their primal fear of intellectual inadequacy.
The problem is that circumstances in the real world are bound to:
a. Defy theoretical frameworks, especially when it comes to interpersonal relationships. Human beings, while predictable most of the time, make complex decisions based on their beliefs, feelings, and intuitions. There are no satisfying psychoanalytic frameworks that are adequate to explain all human behaviour.
b. Be unforeseen. While books may cover the common deviations and problems, the outer world have too many variables to account for.
c. Solutions do not always work out as planned. There are too many variables for a solution that fits all circumstances.
2. Type 5s wrongly assume that their outer world corresponds with their inner world.
Type 5s organize their outer world according to their inner world (wardrobe, schedule, routines…). Their outer world tends to be sparse and minimalistic so that they can spend more time ideating in their inner world and spend less time on chores and maintenance in the outer world.
Type 5s blind spots are that while they spend time organizing their outer world to complement their inner world, they wrongly assume that their outer world is as controllable as their inner world. As opposed to the inner world, the outer world is susceptible to interferences and unforeseen circumstances.
When faced with an unexpected outcome, unhealthy Type 5s withdraw back to the sanctuary of their inner world — they withdraw their emotions, energy, and interactions from people and the problems faced. While this withdrawal might work in childhood since there are often guardians to handle the problems, this withdrawal is not worth in adulthood where Type 5s are responsible for dealing with it. Withdrawal in adult Type 5s makes them seem aloof, detached or even worse — irresponsible.
If the circumstances affect both their inner and outer world, unhealthy Type 5s regress to mediocre or unhealthy Type 7s. This means that they would indulge in compulsive behaviours to distract themselves from the problem altogether. Unhealthy behaviours include food binging, watching late-night shows at the expense of their energy the next morning etc.
Such behaviours, while offering the path of least resistance at the moment, are often detrimental to their physical health which would hurt their mental health, therefore, leading to further avoidance and denial.
The wrong assumption of Type 5s does not just extend to their physical environment but also their interpersonal relationships. It may be the case that people mean one thing, but Type 5s think they have a hidden meaning or purpose as a result of interpreting what others say through the lens of their theoretical frameworks. Unfortunately, this might result in miscommunication and potential misunderstandings.
3. Type 5s are easily overwhelmed by their fears of inadequacy.
As part of the head triad, Type 5’s primal aversion is fear. Unlike the other head triads, however, their fears stem from a lack of sufficient knowledge to deal with the problem at hand. When faced with new information that fails their theoretical framework, their first instinct is fear. Such fear is often not controllable or even conscious for most Type 5s. This fear operates in the same way that humans go into shock when they are submerged in ice.
As a result of the fear, the usually rational Type 5s would behave irrationally in the face of unpleasant surprises. Irrational behaviours include short temperament, anger, defensiveness, aloofness, unhealthy indulgences that do not solve the problem.
Solutions to Type 5’s Blind Spots
1. Formulate a Conceptual Framework for dealing with unpleasant surprises
Since Type 5’s strength is in research, analysis and conceptualization of frameworks, they could formulate a conceptual framework for dealing with unpleasant surprises.
Fortunately, many self-help books teach how to deal with unwanted surprises.
2. Channel your Type 7 energy into physical activities
It is inevitable for Type 5s to adopt the spontaneity of Type 7s during times of stress. Type 5s can seek to channel their newfound burst of spontaneity to connect with their body and senses via physical activity.
Physical activity helps the Type 5s in the following ways:
a. Take their minds off the stressor.
b. Reconnect Type 5 to their neglected body’s health.
c. Has physiological benefits which cause an optimistic outlook and encourage Type 5 to deal with their confronted problem healthily.
3. Mindfulness Training
Mindfulness Training (such as meditation and self-affirmation training) enable Type 5s to overcome their initial fear instinct. It is often the case that Type 5s envision the problem to be greater than it actually is because their fear is more due to their conceptual framework failing than the actual consequences of the problem.
Mindfulness training helps Type 5s overcome their primal fear by grounding them in the present moment, accepting the events with equanimity, and enabling them to deal with the problems in a calm state of mind.
4. Shadow Integration
Types 5s can achieve shadow integration via mindfulness training. As opposed to unhealthy Type 5s who seek to withdraw from their negative emotions, mindful Type 5s seeks to benefit from connecting to their emotions.
Recognizing and understanding the suppressed negative emotions are key to understanding the Type 5’s persona and Carl Jung believed that coming to terms with these suppressed emotions (‘shadow integration’) enables a person to deal with their problems with enthusiasm.
Type 5 can seek to tap on their wealth of knowledge and passion from shadow integration to overcome and excel in their challenges with passion and wisdom.
5. Embrace ambiguity in interpersonal relationships
Type 5s need to understand that sometimes people have hidden meanings in their words — and sometimes they do not.
Type 5s also need to assume the best of people’s intentions unless proven otherwise. It is much more productive for a Type 5 to assume that people intend what they say than they do not because Type 5s already tend to analyze people’s intentions at the back of their mind.
Type 5s can bring to the surface their subconscious interpretation of people’s intentions which can serve as fodder for deeper and meaningful conversations.
Lastly, Type 5s need to embrace their growth point — Type 8s who are known for their confidence in their communications. Type 5s should verify their subconscious interpretation of what people mean by simply asking “What do you mean when you mentioned that …”
Conclusion
As a Type 5, I hope that my fellow Type 5s benefit from this article by being cognizant of their thought motivations and correspondingly shore up their blind spots.
I also hope that this article sheds some light on Type 5’s often misunderstood and quirky nature since there are not many articles written about them given that they are the rarest personality type, making up just 5% of the population.
