Basic e*fu (IcFuUu)

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This is a relatively common pattern of the IFU orientation and is not necessarily either unsatisfactory nor unproductive. The e*fu differs from the e*fa* [IcFuUc] in his lack of social-interpersonal adaptability, for he has little need to control or modify his social role and, thus, maintains a considerable amount of individuality and social difference.

The e*fu has reacted against his autism and behavioral passivity, has developed a sense of responsibility, and recognizes the need to sublimate or displace most of his primitive self-centeredness and emotionality. However, very little of his displacement is toward active social-interpersonal relationships; it is more likely to be individual but socially relevant intellectual and procedural activities. His need to be active in a social sense is limited, but, as a result, his vocational or avocational interests are intense and compelling. In most instances, the e*fu will approach his interests with considerable self-discipline and will be dedicated, in one way or another, to efficiency and competence. It can be expected that the e*fu will have a strong sense of duty; much of his time will be occupied with the individual development of his responsibilities. Like the other adjustments from the IFU orientation, the e*fu adjustment implies "free will" in the selection of interests. Once an e*fu has established his pattern of life, he will have little use for activities he does not understand or expect. Thus, versatility is rarely, if ever, a characteristic of the e*fu. He usually has specific, delimited interests and stubbornly becomes set in his pattern. He does not have the need of the ef*a* [EuRcUc] to involve and include others, so his proselyting characteristics are much less obvious.

In many ways, the e*fu is similar to the e*r*u* [IcFcAc] from the same primitive orientation in that both are characterized by forthrightness and rugged individualism. However, since the e*fu exerts more emotional control and is much less spontaneous than the e*r*u [IcFcUu] *, conflict and tension will be more evident. Moreover, when the e*fu loses control, he will be more guilt-laden and contrite than the e*r*u*. [IcFcAc] Depression states precipitated by guilt reactions are relatively common in the ef*u [EuRcUu] cluster. The e*r*u* [IcFcAc] has many problems arising from his lack of control, but rarely cause him to be as self-evaluative and self-critical as the e*fu.

The e*fu is also similar to the e*fu*. [IcFuAc] Here, the difference lies in the fact that the e*fu does not have to be as socially negativistic as the e*fu*. [IcFuAc] He is rarely as interesting, socially, as the e*fu*, [IcFuAc] and so does not have to defend against distracting social involvements.

In general, the e*fu tends to be a self-sufficient person who has well defined intellectual or mechanical-procedural interest and who is insulated from social-interpersonal distractions. He has considerable self-discipline, largely directed against any tendency to be environmentally withdrawn or autistic. He has a strong need to develop his mind and body and is often oversensitive to subtle changes in his physiological functioning or his ability to concentrate. He has little patience with things he does not accept nor understand, but is more inclined to ignore such activities than to try and change or adapt to them. He seeks out and remains with groups with similar interests and attitudes and can rarely, if ever, be enticed to leave a situation in which he feels comfortable and productive. He does not necessarily follow the cultural pattern from which he emerged, but will move toward those ideas and beliefs he accepts. He is very resistant to authority when he is thwarted or denied his individual activities, but is accepting of, and loyal to, authority figures with whom he can identify or whom he accepts. He lays great store on rationality, objectivity, and perseverance as human virtues. His major psychological problems include somatic preoccupation (often to the point of hypochondriasis or neurasthenia), self-discouragement with resultant guilt-based depression, and transitory, or not well maintained, paranoid states.