Basic era* (EuRuUc)

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The primary characteristics of the era* are very similar to those of the era, [EuRuAu] but the era* usually has not only mental inferiority, but also a tendency to be hostile toward those who have more natural mental skills. Although he is active and involving, he lacks the social skills of the primitive A; thus, he tends to be unpleasant, domineering, dominating, and socially ineffective. As a result, he receives considerable rejection, hostility, or, at best, indifference. In spite of his need for involvement, he rarely is reciprocated; when he is reciprocated, he is jealous and possessive of the involvement although, at the same time, he is both fickle and inattentive. He rarely has much insight into the extent that his own behavior is responsible for his rejection and is prone to project or cast blame on those who reject, dislike, ignore, or who behave differently from him. Suspicion, aggression, bitterness (but not cynicism), and belligerent competitiveness are common ingredients of this adjustment. Such a person continues to demand praise, recognitions, and acceptance, but on his own terms. In other words, he is selfish, self-centered, and demanding.

Intelligence, activity level, and age are important considerations in interpreting the era* adjustment. Those with middle and low normal level (intelligence) almost universally make an unsatisfactory adjustment. In general, they are paranoid personalities with unrealistic attitudes and impossible goals. People in the upper normal level range are often quite productive because they have more ability to learn, even if by rote and imitation. However, they too, are likely to be unrealistic in their self evaluations and usually seek more recognition, prestige, and status then they deserve. Failing to receive these rewards makes them quite hostile toward the system, people, and circumstances they feel prevent or deny them recognition. While activity level remains high, there is an indication that the era* is still fighting his problem; he is active, aggressive, and demanding. As activity level decreases, paranoid preoccupation becomes more evident. This sort of person tends to nurse his grudges and is prone to episode paranoid outbursts that can be quite dangerous and destructive.

Age is important because the young era* is able to get away with his aggressive and competitiveness to a greater extent than the older. The possibility of a clear-cut paranoid personality structure increases with age. The young era [EuRuAu] is most likely to be diagnosed as a sociopath while the older era will either be diagnosed as some sort of paranoid or will have made an adjustment that requires a well-structured institutional setting that gives him the support and recognition he seeks. For example, it is not uncommon for such persons to seek, in retirement, admission to a home that has well-defined rules of patient care. Even here, however, he will continue to demand the attention and status he feels is due him.