Basic i*f*u (EcRcUu)

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This is primarily an introspective adjustment somewhat similar to ef*u, [EuRcUu] also from the primitive ERU orientation. Unlike the i*f*a*, [EcRcUc] the i*f*u has not striven for a well-defined social role and, thus, does not have the same need to be conventional, conforming, and socially disciplined. The i*f*u tries to satisfy his need for emotional involvement and emotional support by indirect means, through intellectual achievement It is characteristic for him to be socially negativistic in that he avoid impressionistic, casual relationships. On the other hand, the i*f*u is intellectually aggressive, a behavior that frequently takes the form of argumentativeness, intellectual arrogance, and persistence that is frequently interpreted as stubbornness.

Self-centeredness and preoccupation with self is present, but there is usually an attempt -- often quite successful if intellectual level is sufficiently high -- to give some social value to this. The ef*u [EuRcUu] is inclined to escape through daydreaming, reading fiction, or going to the movies, while the i*f*u becomes quite intense by doing what he considers to be useful. Whenever he feels inclined to daydream or escape in a frivolous manner, he feels anxious, disturbed, and uncomfortable because he interprets this as a sign that he is losing his mental discipline. To a great extent, then, the i*f*u is hostile, suspicious, and contemptuous of anything that tempts him in directions away from what he considers intellectually proper. He takes himself and his interests very seriously and resents anyone who does not do the same.

A primary liability of this adjustment is that the i*f*u is so preoccupied with self and so concerned with his own interests that he has little or no patience with the attitudes and interests of others. The ef*u [EuRcUu] is passive and withdrawn, dreaming of being important or the center of interest, but the i*f*u will be much more active; he insists on being treated as though he were important or will demand aggressively, but often ineptly, that he be the center of attention. The ultimate success of this sort of self-reference depends, of course, on the ability of the i*f*u to earn the right to be recognized. The cluster includes individuals who unrealistically and inappropriately demand recognition and attention that they do not deserve, as well as highly skilled scholars who deserve recognition, but usually have a flavor of arrogance, smugness, and self-centeredness in their adjustment.

It follows from the above, that the i*f*u is a highly competitive, but definitely individualistic person. He is very sensitive to criticism, but conversely, very critical of others. He rarely is a good sport and has great difficulty accepting defeat or lack of recognition. He is jealous of others, particularly when he believes that they have not earned their recognition, and is very susceptible to depression over the injustice and unfairness of life. Since he can usually control or submerge these feelings by mental discipline and activity, the i*f*u is a very hard worker with unusual persistence. He is extremely impatient with distraction, very sensitive to lack of interest or indifference on the part of others, and can become infuriated with people who interrupt, or who do not pay attention to him. Conversely, he can be very abrupt with those who bore or do not interest him.

Curiosity, particularly of an intellectual nature, is characteristic of the i*f*u. Even here, however, there is a self-centered cast. His philosophy is usually concerned with the self; "What am I?" In religion, he seeks a highly personal deity who must understand him; in personal relations, he seeks to discover what others think of him. The i*f*u is frequently a crusader, but, unlike the i*f*a*, [EcRcUc] he does not champion the right ideas or attitudes for the group. He is much more inclined to be a psychologist than a sociologist because of the individuality of the subject matter. He is more inclined to be a historian than a political scientist because of the personal detachment and independence of the latter. He is more apt to be an economist than a businessman because of the mental discipline involved. Physical sciences are also of interest. As a scientist, scholar, or intellectual, he is dedicated, hard working, and usually competent. Most i*f*u prefer research to practical application and will seek out such roles. The i*f*u is inclined to set very high standards for himself, and since he is rarely able to compromise, he is often unable to reach the goal for which he strives. He is likely to react to such frustration with bitterness and hostility. Aggressive cynicism, depressive episodes, authoritarian negativism, impatience, and paranoid-like suspicion are common manifestations of this adjustment.