Basic e*r*a (IcFcAu)

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Individuals with this adjustment pattern are the most physically active and socially aggressive of all the primitive IFA adjustments. The e*r*a is a rugged, forthright, and highly volatile person. In essence, he is reacting against his tendency toward autism and succor dependence; as such, he makes a total commitment to his external environment. Of all the basic adjustments, this involves the most exploitation of social versatility to gain personnel ends. The e*r*a does not have the defensiveness of the i*r*a [EcFcAu] who must prove that he is not vulnerable to involvement and seduction; nor does he have the fickleness of the er* a who exploits his involvements for momentary gratification. The e*r*a is deliberate, calculating, and cunning in his social-interpersonal relationships, and protective and defensive about his inner thoughts and intimate feelings. He usually goes out of his way to avoid expressing sentiment, feeling, compassion, or any kind of idealism. He thinks of himself as a practical, pragmatic, and rational person.

While there is a sadistic quality in the adjustment, the e*r*a does not have the ability to recognize and respond to individual qualities in a single person as does the er*a. [EuFcAu] Thus, his sadism has a generalized quality. Mass prejudice is very common among members of this cluster and, depending on his own needs, he can condemn an entire subculture. Many of the Nazi concentration camp commandants, and some of the more fringed members of anti-integration groups, probably come from this adjustment pattern. i

Fundamentally, the e*r*a adjustment is very self-centered and narcissistic. Preoccupation with physical well-being is particularly common. Often, the e*r*a is a highly athletic person, but he is more apt to be a physical culturalist and very individualistic in his activity. Weight lifting, wrestling, boxing, and gymnastics are the major sports that interest him. It is not usual for the e*r*a to be very much preoccupied with sex, ranging from lusty, self-involved sexuality (satyriasis) to inhibited or suppressed sexuality with concomitant morbid self-concern. Concern with cleanliness and fastidiousness about personal care are common manifestations. Phobias and compulsions associated with feelings of cleanliness and personal care are not uncommon.

The major problem of the e*r*a is his moodiness and lack of control. Unexpected rage, temper tantrums, and physical agitation of all sorts are very common. This moodiness and emotional volatility are particularly disabling because they are in conflict with the social versatility that is also characteristic. Wide variations in personality can occur in the e*r*a adjustment because, on the one hand, he is socially responsive and smooth in his social relationships, but on the other hand, he complicates his life by his irascibility and temperament. This conflict may become more difficult to manage as the e*r*a grows older; obsessive-compulsive features may appear as a defense against either versatility or temper. However, this obsessive-compulsive is very vulnerable to explosive and destructive emotionality. It is not unusual for the e*r*a to become very involved with religion, system, or rituals that offer some promise to help him gain self-control and emotional discipline. Under stress, however, he may turn violently against these systems, only later to be contrite and penitent. The sometimes-member of Alcoholics Anonymous who keeps coming back after each binge, and the back-sliding sinner who finds salvation anew at each spring revival are examples of this adjustment. In a sense, the e*r*a cannot live with himself, but he is too active and compelling to be be very successful in living with others. Escape drinking to insensibility, knocking oneself out with drugs, or actual suicide are common in this adjustment pattern.