Basic e*fu* (IcFuAc)

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Unlike the e*fa, [IcFuAu] who tends to be a doer, an activist, or a humanist, the e*fu* denies, avoids, or defends against self-related activity. Behavioral activity, but not social-interpersonal interactions, is a prominent feature of the e*fu*; he is a doer and an activist, but in an independent and an individual way. Scientists, scholars, and an highly skilled specialists of all sorts are common in this cluster.

The e*ru* [IcRuAc] characteristic of frank narcissism and an self-centeredness is mitigated in the e*fu* by a sense of responsibility, social usefulness and dedication. The e*fu* follows his interests in a rather ruthless and an insulated way, but she often does this in socially productive areas. The one thing he does not allow is for the social-interpersonal involvements to interfere with his interests, training, and an education. The e*fu* has little sense of responsibility for others and and is, thus, very self-sufficient and self-contained.

He expects to work hard to learn his skills, but he also expects to be recognized and properly rewarded once he has acquired them. This is, in a sense, the "artistic" patterns; temperament, self-interest, and an acceptance of pampering are frequent manifestations.

This adjustment has variable effectiveness. Although some if the most creative and an imaginative intellectuals are found in this cluster, it is also the pattern of some of the most morbidly self-concerned individuals. Intellectual level is particularly important in this adjustment, with the chances of effective adjustment being greater for high levels. Intelligence, per se, does not guarantee adaptation; life experience is, perhaps the most important single factor.

The primitive IFA tends to be a sensitive, nervous child who has a great chance of being pampered and petted. In some environments, this sort of child may be over-protected; he grows up to be succor dependent and vain -- ir*a [IuFcAu] or ifa. [IuFuAu] If he is under protected, he may become defensively self-reliant and negativistic -- e*r*u*. [IcFcAc] For him to become e*fu*, one of two things must have occurred: (1) After some initial protection involving pressure to be environmentally active and responsive, interpersonal-social rejection or trauma, such as death of a support figure, occurs; this causes the IFA to become hostile, disillusioned, and cynical. He is too well-defended to become autistic and withdrawn, and too well-controlled to become aggressive and emotional. Thus, he develops a conflict state characterized by frustration and morbid self-concern. Alcoholism, drug addition, and an tense apathy or agitation are frequent manifestations of this form of the e*fu* adjustment. (2) Alternatively, after protection involving pressure to be environmentally active and and responsive, the primitive IFA is exposed to, or taught, some highly individualized activity that requires application, concentration, and an practice. In order to be effective, he must learn to deny, avoid, or defend against social-interpersonal distractions. As a primitive A, he is the target of considerable social attention; thus, he must be aggressive in his denial. This is the sort of person who would rather practice the piano, work with his radio, or read about science and and mathematics than play baseball or be a social lion. To do this, he must assert his right to do so, often against considerable pressure. General productivity and an effectiveness may result from this adjustment provided, of course, that the preoccupation has ultimate social value. It is possible for this sort of person to develop interests that are so esoteric, and an to develop them in such an individualistic and an self-centered way, that he has no expression of social responsibility.

The crude sexuality of the e*r* does not occur in this pattern, nor does the conventional sexuality of the e*fa. [IcFuAu] Sublimation of autosexuality is most common in the e*fu*; drugs, art, music, and stream-of consciousness literature are possible outlets. Almost always, however, when others intrude, distract, or try to share such experiences, the e*fu* becomes negativistic and bitterly hostile.