Basic e*r*u* (IcFcAc)

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Although this is a complicated adjustment for the primitive IFA, it is, at least in our samples, a relatively common pattern. There is a great deal of tension and inner defensiveness associated with e*r*u* that is difficult to maintain. To some extent, the e*r*u* is reacting against intellectuality, rationality, and social perceptiveness. He is a highly practical person who tends to be individualistic and socially unrealistic. He is negativistic and hostile in his behavior, yet he is strongly defended against autism and succor dependency needs. He has little use for social-interpersonal activity as a means for escaping his tendency to internalize, but has not established any really satisfactory sublimation for his needs. As a result, the e*r*u* is the kind of person who is not only afraid of himself (and his inner activity), but is also fearful or bewildered about the external world and the people in it. He cannot get relief by withdrawing, and he cannot get relief by relating. All in all, the e*r*u* is a bitter, discouraged, sullen, and hostile person whose frustration is profound and often disabling.

In behavior, the e*r*u* is somewhat similar to the e*ru*; he is often athletic, apparently virile, and often exceptionally tough in attitude and interests. However, he has a low threshold for disillusionment and readily becomes impatient and angry with his own lack of skill and discipline. With his tendency for rather easy discouragement, he is prone to be extremely self-punishing. Self-mutilation, in all forms, is most likely to occur with this pattern. Maschochism, particularly flagellation, is a frequent manifestation. This is less likely to have sexual implications, as in the i*r*u, [EcFcUu] than to be punishment and abusiveness that is felt to be deserved and expected. Many ascetics, particularly those that inflict pain and self-mutilation, will come from this cluster.

The e*r*u* is not only masochistic, but he is also sadistic. Many e*r*u* vacillate between hostility directed toward the self and toward others. It is this sort of person who is most likely to take aggressive sadistic actions toward others. Individuals who stick needles in women on the streets, or carve initials on the breasts and thighs of prostitutes, or who dismember the bodies of victims of their hostility, most frequently come from this cluster. These acts are not followed by contrition, but by dissatisfaction that results in self-destruction or self-mutilation. It is not uncommon for the e*r*u* to go haughtily and proudly to execution because, in some bizarre way, this represents the final solution of his awful conflict. The extreme forms of this pattern are among the few universally bad adjustments of all the basic patterns.