Basic ifa* (IuFuUc)

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Although this is not a particularly common derivative of the primitive IFU orientation, it is generally a fairly effective adjustment. The ifa* is more schizoid than the e*fa* [IcFuUc] because he is not nearly as well-defended against his autistic tendencies. The e*fa* [IcFuUc] has considerable self-discipline and his activities are self-initiated and an self-sustained. The ifa*, in contrast, is much more dependent on external guidance and discipline for his activity. He tends to be a passive person who may be quite responsive to authority and direction, but has difficulty maintaining his activity unless stimulated and prodded. There is likely to be a great deal of ritualistic and compulsive behavior with this adjustment, so the ifa* needs external reassurance to be sure that he performs adequately and appropriately. He responds very well to external direction because he is obedient, noninvolved, and relatively non-resistant.

The difference between ifa* and an ir*a* [IuFcUc] lies in a greater sense of responsibility and the better emotional control of the former. The ifa* has learned to sublimate, in one form or another, so is rarely as emotionally immature or explosive as the ir*a*. [IuFcUc] It should be noted, however, the ir*a* [IuFcUc] is inclined to be guilt-free for he is spontaneous and self-seeking. The ifa* has much more tendency toward tension and conflict because he has a strong intellectual awareness of the dangers of loss of control and the inappropriateness of too much self-centeredness. Thus, while the ifa* is more insightful than the ir*a*, [IuFcUc] he is expected to acquire and to follow through with them. Unlike the e*fa*, [IcFuUc] the ifa* needs reassurance, support, and encouragement to be active and productive. This support is qualitatively different than that required by the efa*. [EuFuUc] The ifa* is succor dependent, while the efa* [EuFuUc] is emotionally dependent; thus, security and stability are more important to the ifa* than interpersonal involvements and emotional acceptance. In fact, the ifa* is often very uncomfortable if too much reciprocal involvement is required.

Overtly, the ifa* and the i*fa* [EcFuUc] will appear very much alike. Both are task-involved in that they are interested in what they are doing, and both expect reassurance on the basis of their competence and effectiveness. However, the i*fa' wants to be accepted, or emotionally appreciated for his performance, while the ifa* wants to be supported and protected for his. To a considerable extent, criticism is enabling to the ifa*, while it tends to be disabling for the i*fa*. [EcFuUc] Both will be inclined to ask for criticism and evaluation, but the i*fa [EcFuAu] will really be more interested in being reassured about his acceptance. Depending on his training and security feelings, he can be a productive, efficient person with both pride and a sense of responsibility about his work. However, he lacks the drive, ambition, and energy of the e*fa*. [IcFuUc] The ifa* can work for almost anyone who provides support; the e*fa*, [IcFuUc] in contrast, is rarely effective unless he can get along with his superiors.

The difference between ifa* and ifa [IuFuAu] lies in the effort that must be exerted by the ifa* to develop competent and appropriate social roles. The ifa* must learn how to be responsive to social demands, but he is not always completely successful. Usually, he tries to be as conventional and conforming as possible to any milieu in which he finds succor and security. He recognizes, at least intellectually, that much of his security depends on his social suitability; thus, one he has determined the authority figures in the milieu in which he feels secure, he will accept and attempt to emulate the social requirements set down by these figures. The ifa* is definitely prone to become a disciple or a student of systems and theoretical formulations, and is almost always obedient and conforming in his manner of acceptance. While there is intellectual or ideational involvement in systems the ifa* lacks the emotional tone acceptance anxiety of the efa* [EuFuUc] and the rationalized acceptance anxiety of the i*fa*. [EcFuUc]

Guilt reactions and reality anxiety reactions are the primary psychological problems of the ifa*. Since he has a great awareness of his tendencies toward autism and withdrawal, yet has a strong sense of responsibility to be otherwise, he is inclined to become discouraged with his own ambivalence and vacillation. He is also prone to project his inadequacy feelings, blaming others for his difficulties; the system that does not live up to its promise of security, the religious values that fail to support him in a time of crisis; the medical profession that does not take time to relieve his illness. However, since he is a primitive F, he has too much insight to become fixed and systematized in these beliefs. Then, he becomes discouraged with himself because he cannot maintain his projections long enough to obtain relief. This same sort of ambivalence and insightfulness also makes him feel anxious about his projections; thus, he will spend a great deal of time working out techniques to get reassurance that he is responding to appropriate and real stimuli. Because he has so much fear and anxiety that he will become delusional, the ifa* must be described as being gullible, for he will not accept and believe almost anything that is widely accepted or authoritatively determined. Because of his dependence on external reassurance and control, the ifa* is particularly susceptible to most hysteric and crowd phenomena.