Kevin Pearson Enneagram 6

I have been looking forward to writing about why I think Kevin Pearson is an Enneagram 6 since I had the idea to start this series. Okay… I had the idea before I rewatched This Is Us, so I hadn’t actually determined what I thought his type was when I had the idea. But as soon as I decided that he’s a Six, I was eager to start this post.

If you haven’t been around, I talk about Enneagram 6 a lot because I am one. Sixes are referred to as “The Loyalist” because we stay true to the ones we care about and the things we believe in until the bitter end. Once you have a Six on your side, you have them forever. (Be warned! LoL!) The primary fear of Enneagram 6 is being without guidance or support. Decision-making can be very difficult, and self-confidence can be hard to come by. You can learn more about the qualities of Sixes at The Enneagram Institute and on Truity. *

Kevin is the first of “The Big Three” to arrive on the scene on This Is Us. He is a famous television actor and manages to charm the pants off of most people. I would say that Kevin shows the most growth as a person as the series progresses.

Before we get into why I think Kevin Pearson is an Enneagram 6, remember that:

You should stop reading if you want to avoid spoilers.
My examples will be jumping around seasons and not in show or chronological order

Reactivity

Straight out of the gate we get a glimpse of Kevin’s reactivity, a hallmark trait of the Enneagram 6. The Six fears being unsupported or unprepared, and that can prompt intense emotional reactions. In the very first episode, we watch Kevin completely fly off the handle when a serious scene he is very proud of gets nixed for something more shallow. This type of reactivity is particularly noticeable in Sixes with the “Sexual Instinct,” as are his tendencies toward alcoholism. His reactivity is not just relegated to his temper, though. When the people he cares about need him, he will react just as quickly to be there for them!

Reliance on Others

Another aspect of an Enneagram 6 that Kevin exhibits right away is his dependance on others. The first episode also shows us right away that he relies heavily on twin sister Kate for support. When he is struggling and doesn’t know what to do, he often goes to Kate for guidance and reassurance. We see this so many times during the series that pointing to specific instances seems unnecessary!

Kevin is also clearly convinced that he must rely on others when he is in crisis and needs help. In Season 2, Episode 8, Kevin hits rock bottom and winds up on someone’s lawn, begging for someone to help him. He doesn’t believe he has what he needs inside himself to get better, so he goes looking for it externally.

Relationship to Jack

Speaking of Season 2, Episode 8… Kevin’s relationship with his father is indicative of a counterphobic Six – which is also highlighted in this episode. Teenage Kevin is playing football because it was something that got him the guidance and support from Jack that he craved. However, in this episode, we also see Kevin kicking against that authority. In the end, his desire for his dad’s guidance wins out when his meltdown is kicked off by losing the necklace that Jack gave him when he was a teenager.

His desire for Jack’s support shows up even earlier in his life, though. In Season 1, Episode 4, little Kevin at the pool desperately wants his dad to watch him in the pool. While doing tricks and trying to go in the deep end, Kevin escapes drowning and confronts his dad about never watching him. Some people may think that’s just about wanting attention, but I think it’s about wanting Jack to be there for support.

Looking Outside Himself for Answers

Kevin doesn’t only rely on other people for external guidance. He is also no stranger to coming up with scenarios for the future and researching to find comfort.This highlights the Enneagram 6 need for security and preparation. In Season 2, Episode 15, Kate goes into labor early, which understandably frightens Kevin. His response is to start Googling the things that could go wrong. Soooo Six-y!

Before embarking on a trip to Vietnam in Season 3 to find a connection to his dad, Kevin spends time imagining all kinds of scenarios about Jack’s time there. I think this is an attempt to prepare and protect himself in advance if he finds out something there that he doesn’t like. He doesn’t just do this for himself, though.

In Season 3, Episode 12, young Kevin goes to get a rookie baseball card signed for his favorite player who he heard might get traded. Before he meets the player, he looked up a travel guide about the new city. He wanted the player to be happy in his new town, so he “troubleshoots” the trade and endears himself to the player.

Doubt and Indecision

Kevin also struggles with self-doubt and trouble making decisions, which are also indicative of an Enneagram 6. William even calls him out for doubting himself very early in the series (Episode 5!) When William talks to him about it, he is able to acknowledge his insecurity and move on from it, however briefly.

Season 2, Episode 7 highlights his trouble with decisions when he plans to propose to Sophie (again.) Ultimately he buys THREE different engagement rings for her because he just can’t decide between them. He also doesn’t end up proposing to Sophie, instead monologuing about how he doesn’t know how to be a great husband or father or man. He doesn’t want to create a “nightmare life” for her, so his doubt in himself rears its ugly head again.

Kevin’s Loyalty and Growth

Kevin does also constantly demonstrate the more positive qualities of an Enneagram 6! He is fiercely loyal to his people, and he is there for them no matter what. Even though he struggles to be nice sometimes, he will move heaven and earth for his family.

He left opening night of his Broadway debut to go to Randall, who is having an epic panic attack (Season 1, Episode 15.)
He leaves a swanky Hollywood party to help Kate when she falls (Season 1, Episode 1.)
He insists on doing what he can to help his uncle Nicky after discovering he is still alive (Season 3, Episode 12.)
He starts Big Three Homes and builds his Jack’s dream cabin (aka family compound) for Rebecca to live in as her dementia worsens (Seasons 5 and 6.)

Through all of this, Kevin shows signs of growth to the healthier levels of Enneagram 6 where he feels more secure in himself, his abilities, and the world around him.