
"Scientific Enneagram" | Episode 2 | PDP 101: An Intro to Dan Siegel's Patterns of Developmental Pathways Framework
From Around the Circle | An Enneagram Channel by Jeff Cook and T.J. Wilson
June 7, 2026 · 29 min
About this episode
This episode explores Dan Siegel's PDP framework, bridging Enneagram concepts with neuroscience and personality development.
Dan Siegel's Patterns of Developmental Pathways (PDP) framework is one of the first serious attempts to bridge Enneagram ideas with neuroscience, developmental psychology, and clinical practice. In this episode, I break down the core concepts behind PDP: temperament vs. adaptive strategies, neuroplasticity, the role of "wholeness" in personality development, and the three pillars of the framework -- Vectors, Attendency, and Emotional Regulation Strategies. We'll also explore how PDP maps onto traditional Enneagram types, where it agrees with existing Enneagram theory, where it diverges, and why Dan Siegel prefers talking about patterns rather than fixed personality types. If you've heard about PDP but haven't wanted to tackle a 400-page book, this episode is your quick-start guide.
People in this episode
Hosts: Jeff Cook, T.J. Wilson
Topics covered
- Enneagram
- neuroscience
- developmental psychology
- clinical practice
- personality development
- neuroplasticity
Keywords
- Enneagram
- Dan Siegel
- PDP
- neuroplasticity
- personality development
- emotional regulation
- temperament
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Enneagram
Books & works: Patterns of Developmental Pathways
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