Basic ef*u* (EuRcAc)

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There are many similarities between the ef*a [EuRcAu] and the ef*u*; the primary difference is that the ef*u* has developed interpersonal defensiveness. The ef*u* avoids much social interaction although he usually maintains a great deal of environmentally oriented behavioral activity. In this, he is similar to the eru*, [EuRuAc] who is active, non-person relator who frequently follows his own interests in a self-centered, but not necessarily unproductive way; the eru* [EuRuAc] does not allow social distractions. While the ef*u* is behaviorally similar, he has much more guilt than the eru*, [EuRuAc] for he has more acquired conscience and considerable conflict about his need to be expressive and effective. Emotional maturity in the sense that he is confused and unsure about the meaning and extent of his feelings is also a common feature of the ef*u*.

Dynamically, the primitive ERA is quite limited in developing his emotionality. His tendency is to respond and become involved with little need to analyze or intellectualize. He tends to live in the present; life experiences teach him how to control his responsiveness and to use his reasoning abilities as a means to predict the possible outcomes of any immediate relationship. Emotional control and conscience is represented by Rc; Eu, however, is a relatively primitive and unchecked exploitation of primitive Externalization, suggesting that reasoning ability has not been highly developed. The ef*u*, then, has to learn to control his social-interpersonal relationships, but he has not learned to intellectualize adequately nor to rationalize or understand what he had learned. Psychologically, the conscious experience of the ef*u* is heavily laden with bewilderment because he is dependent upon outside direction for expressing himself, but is very wary about accepting this guidance. Suggestibility is a major characteristic of the primitive ERA, but the ef*u* has somewhat insightfully become negatively suggestible.

Loyalty to a long-established dependency relationship is a fundamental feature of the ef*u*. He can be demonstrative and clinging in such relationships, but will be suspicious, negative, and rejecting of other potential interactions. Since he is demanding and involving, the object of this dependency is easily fatigued and frequently impatient. This will cause the ef*u* to become more bewildered; depression and feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness may result. Inferiority reactions, somatic preoccupations, anxiety panic reactions, and depressive states are not uncommon in the ef*u [EuRcUu] * cluster.

In general, the well-adjusted ef*u* is an introspective, affective person who needs considerable external support. This is uncomfortable, but not necessarily disabling adjustment. Individuals in this cluster need frequent reassurance, but since they tend to be negativistic and defensive, this need is seldom obvious to others. Loss of longstanding dependency relationships and threats to their security are obviously traumatic events for such people.