Basic ef*a (EuRcAu)

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The ef*a is more like era [EuRuAu] that the other b (efa) [EuFuAu] adjustments; activity, fickle attention, weak verbal memory, a strong tendency toward mental inferiority feelings, and a need for interaction and involvement with the immediate environment are characteristic features. The primary difference in the two adjustments lies in the ability of the ef*a to control or discipline his selfishness and self-centeredness. He may be described as having a conscience that has been learned and applied, usually quite effectively. To some extent, the ef*a adjustment involves more conflict than the era [EuRuAu] in the sense that the ef*a recognizes, at least intellectually, that some of his desires and interests are socially unacceptable and that he is required to check or control them. As a result, there is likely to be some depression, anxiety, and guilt in his conscious attitudes; he is more apt to respond with inferiority feelings than with hostility or negativism. The ef*a must learn his emotional controls from others, but since he is a primitive R, his learning tends to be rote, ritualistic, and non-insightful. A certain amount of his conflict is due to that fact that he has learned what is right but he has only a limited understanding of the underlying reasons.

Literalness, dogmatism, and prejudice may be elements in this adjustment. There is also a certain amount of inconsistency due to the fact that, unless it has been clearly defined how the ef*a is to behave in a given situation, he reverts to a more primitive, immature, and inappropriate behavior. As the ef*a grows a bit older, his anxiety about acting in an in appropriate way, albeit inadvertently, may result in rather profound feelings of inadequacy and inferiority.

In general, the ef*a tends to be tense, ritualistic, conservative, and lacking in versatility. He may be cautious and lacking ambition because he is most comfortable in familiar situations in which he has learned to respond with little stress. The ef*a has a need to be very loyal to those who give them support, guidance and direction. This need is often quite conflict-producing because he has frequent experience both with desiring to be disloyal and with being enticed by others to be disloyal. Susceptibility to seduction followed by extreme guilt is a primary problem for the ef*a.