Basic e*r*u (IcFcUu)

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The primary difference between the e*r*a* [IcFcUc] and the e*r*u is in the social-interpersonal area. The e*r*a* [IcFcUc] has made some definite attempts to develop a conventional or appropriate social role as determined by the milieu in which he is reared; the e*r*u has made only a limited or superficial attempt to do so. Social-interpersonal indifference (sometimes inferiority) rather than social-interpersonal defensiveness is the primary mode of adjustment. There is some sort of "I am what I am; take it or leave it" quality to the e*r*u. He has almost no tendency to take responsibility for others; he prides himself on his independence and self-suffering and will become irritated or negativistic when required to conform or adapt to situations which he does not accept or understand. At the same time, however, the e*r*u does not have to develop the extreme rejecting negativism of the e*r*u*. [IcFcAc]

The imitative deference to authority that is seen in the e*ra* [IcRuUc] and to a limited extent in the e*ru [IcRuUu] is definitely not present in the e*r*u. He is not necessarily unconventional, but he decides and chooses what he will do and will be willing to accept the consequences. The difference between the e*r*u and the e*fu* [IcFuAc] is that the e*r*u has less need to sublimate or socialize his personal desires than does the e*fu*. [IcFuAc] To this extent, he can be considered selfish and self-centered. He demands and takes what he needs and is relatively unconcerned by either social acceptance or the blessing of authority. To a degree, the e*f*u, [IcRcUu] however, is the real individualist, for he sees, responds to, and is insatiably curious about the external world, but he sees, responds, and reacts as he wants.

The e*r*u is a physically active person who has much nervous energy. Like the e*r*u*, [IcFcAc] he is very much preoccupied with his own physical well-being and can be anything from a physical culuturalist to an active tennis or handball player. He is fastidious about himself and is very conscious of changes in his physical tone and physiological functioning. This preoccupation with self is one of the primary differences between primitive EFU and primitive IFU. The average EFU will often be very much unconcerned with his physical condition and degree of fitness; thus, he is often obese and flabby. The e*r*u, in particular, is inclined to be a wiry, tough person who will spend considerable time in conditioning his body. The e*r*a* [IcFcUc] has similar common means of conditioning. In some instances, the e*r*u may be inclined to discover new ways of physical conditioning and many invent what others will consider fads or fancies.

Both the e*r*u and e*r*a* [IcFcUc] (and also e*r*a [IcFcAu] and e*r*u*) adjustments are tension producing. This tension arises primarily from their inability to sublimate or displace their primitive emotionality. The er*u [EuFcUu] and er*a [EuFcAu] are characterized by the direct, overt expression of emotion. They create social problems because of their tendency to act out feelings with little control or consideration for others. The primitive emotionality of the e*r*u and the e*r*a* [IcFcUc] is internalized; they tend to "act in" their feelings. Overtly, then, the e*r*a* [IcFcUc] will appear appropriate and conventional. However, the inner strain of these adjustments is quite intense and potentially explosive.

The er* explodes by sharp, overt behavioral manifestations; the e*r*, in contrast, expresses his inner distress by apathy and inactivity. Much of the nervous energy and gross overt behavior of the e*r* is a means of avoiding apathy and non-response. This is almost the opposite of the er*, who might be very apathetic and non-responsive in order to avoid the overt manifestation of his feelings. The e*r*, under stress, becomes more active in order to avoid apathy, but if the stress becomes intolerable, will collapse in the direction of apathy. The er*, under stress, will become more passive to avoid exploding, but if his stress becomes intolerable, will collapse in the direction of hyperactivity.

Both of these adjustment patterns, er* and e*r*, require the expenditure of considerable conscious physiological energy, so it is not unusual that generalized somatic complaints occur fairly frequently. It should be noted, however, that the er* is exerting effort to deny his acceptance anxiety by becoming self-centered and self-concerned. His somatic complaints often occur as a partial rationalization of the fact that he cannot get acceptance because he is ill or incapacitated. The e*r*, however, exerts effort to deny his self-concern and self-centeredness by socially relating behavior. His somatic complaints will produce more guilt and, thus, will be disguised or ignored for longer periods. As a result, more serious physiological damage, such as ulcers, may occur.

Somatic difficulties verbalized by the e*r*u or e*r*a* [IcFcUc] are more likely to be real disabling than those verbalized by er*u [EuFcUu] or er*a. [EuFcAu] These four adjustments are further complicated by the fact that, being primitive F, such persons are more receptive of, and responsive to subtlety and stimuli. The capacity to anticipate or predict future problems, coupled with the subtly of broad insight, can be both the greatest strength and the greatest weakness of the primitive F adjustments. The e*r*u, in particular, has the intellectual capacity to recognize that he should be something different, but has not worked out the means to do anything about it. The e*r*a, [IcFcAu] at least, can use projection against external events as the "cause" of many of his problems, but the e*r*u has limited ability to do this. His selection of activities and his total physical commitment to them is, thus, his primary mode of adjustment.