Basic ira (IuFuAu)

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This is probably the most efficient of the Iu adjustments of the primitive IFA orientation. Although it is essentially a schizoid adjustment, the ifa pattern represents both emotional control or conscience and social awareness and responsiveness. The ifa tends to exploit his mental skills, but in most instances, this is socially productive. At higher levels of intelligence, the ifa can be quite creative and imaginative. He has a sense of responsibility and, although his interests are highly personal, individualistic, and even narcissistic, he recognizes the need to be productive, creative, and reality oriented. This is the pattern that produces many writers, artists, musicians, and liberal arts intellectuals. Aesthetic appreciation in its more abstract forms and subtle cultural appreciation are common manifestations.

The ifa is sensitive and discriminating; he gains great satisfaction from the exploitation of his intellectual skills. Since this is done in a sublimated manner, he does not have the individualistic and autistic quality of the ir*a. [IuFcAu] He is an intuitive person who has little use for the regimens or discipline of formalized mental activity. He is inclined to be an intellectually curious person who desires the freedom to range unfettered through the infinite varieties of mental experience. He is not only a non-involving person, but is adamant in maintaining his intimacy and individuality. Reading, thinking, and controlled mental activity are more important to him than physical activity, interaction, or gross sensual stimulation. He is dependent on others to take care of him so that he has time for his creative, imaginative pursuits. There is a very definite air of hauteur in this adjustment; failure to receive obeisance may result in petulance, temperament, and pique. The ifa is very sensitive to lack of respect or appreciation for his interests and accomplishments and is prone to become cynical and sardonic in the face of rejection or misunderstanding.

Obviously, the effectiveness of this adjustment is very much a function of the true worth of the activity. The elite, who are skillful and productive enough to warrant respect, not only get away with this adjustment, but are productive because of it. On the other hand, the less successful are prone to become discouraged and an apathetic because they are very sensitive to lack of appreciation, unlike the if* a, and are also quite insightful about their own lack of success. Disabling inferiority reactions manifested by morbid depression, pathological bitterness, and severe cynicism are not uncommon. Even the most successful ifa may sometimes have similar reactions because the high standards he sets for himself are often unattainable. Suicide, particularly in later years, is a common phenomenon.

There are many similarities between ifa and ifa*. [IuFuUc] The primary difference is that the ifa is often overestimated and overprotected during his early years. In many ways, thus, he is relatively show in maturing and becomes overly dependent on care and protection. When he is rejected, he is less prepared to adapt, and, thus, more prone to withdrawal and apathy, than the ifa*, [IuFuUc] who has had to fight, in one way or another, for example, may be petted and pampered during the years when she is attractive and, thus, be totally unable to adapt psychologically when she has reached, or is about to reach a time when her behavior is inappropriate. In contrast, the if*a [IuRcAu] may tend to persevere her behavior, even when it is inappropriate, because she does not have the same sensitivity of insightfulness characteristic of the primitive F.

In general, the ifa is a sensitive, but self-centered person who is artistic or "cultivated" in one form or another. He develops and exploits his mental skills in intellectual and creative ways. He often has highly mystical and spiritual values, usually places great store on his ability to be intuitive, but is very vulnerable to discouragement and disillusionment.