Basic ef*a* (EuRcUc)

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This is a fairly common adaptation of the primitive ERU orientation. People in this cluster remain responsive and dependent upon the external environment. They may be fickle, involving, and perceptive, but their interests are primarily empirical or practical rather than intellectual. The ef*a* has recognized that he is self-centered and selfish and has modified or controlled these tendencies. He has developed a conscience -- a sense of right and wrong -- and tries very hard to respond and act in accordance with this code. In addition, he has recognized the need to modify or adapt his social-interpersonal behavior and has tried to learn and practice proper or conventional behavior in accordance with the pattern set by his cultural milieu. To a large extent, then, the ef*a* is a cautious, proper, somewhat stereotyped individual who has made much effort to learn and apply the rules, rituals, procedures, and protocols of the environment from which he emerges.

An important characteristic of the ef*a* is his strong need to please others. Dynamically, this is primarily due to the fact that his past experience includes considerable bewilderment and a fine amount of rejection (primitive RU). He tries very hard to do what is expected of him, but he is never quite sure he is doing the right thing. Praise, reassurance, and acceptance by his peers and authority figures are important as clues to the acceptability or suitability of his performance. Even when he receives reassurance, he needs reiteration in order to be convinced that the reassurance is genuine. The ef*a* actively strives for acceptance and, thus, is competitive; he is jealous and disappointed when others receive acceptance and praise that he wants or feels he deserves. In addition, he is very possessive of those who accept him and becomes upset when his dependence or acceptance relationships are threatened.

Ordinarily, the ef*a* is very effective in activities requiring manual, manipulative, or procedural skills. He has excellent practical and mechanical ability, depending on his intellectual level, but usually has considerable intellectual inferiority feeling. Unlike the era*, [EuRuUc] he does not feel particularly hostile toward those who have marked intellectual ability, but often becomes quite dependent upon, or subservient to them. This is often a submissive adjustment, but does not necessarily include passivity or inactivity.

In general, the ef*a* is a loyal person who wants to maintain his loyalty. He is not only accepting of authority but, as pointed out above, is eager to please authority. Since he recognizes that he has a tendency to be disloyal, he not only has to be reassured frequently, but has to show his loyalty in tangible ways. Fealty ceremonies and oaths often have great significance to the ef*a*. Because the adjustment carries with it a great sense of suspicion and acceptance anxiety, failure of an authority figure (or a dependency figure) to live up to his loyalties and responsibilities is specific evidence of deception. He meets with extreme and even violent emotion.

A primary weakness of the ef*a* is that he can be turned against those he respects and loves without too much difficulty. Since acceptance anxiety is an integral part of this adjustment, temporary relapses into marked jealous states, followed by contrition and guilt, are not uncommon. Related to this anxiety is a tendency to be very sensitive to criticism, particularly of things about which the ef*a* feels inadequate. At the same time, the ef*a* often fails to recognize that he has a tendency to be highly critical of others. He can rarely take even good natured teasing; he is embarrassed easily and may become quite aggressive toward people who precipitate embarrassment.