Basic ira* (IuRuUc)

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This is a relatively primitive IRU adjustment in which the individual has made an almost total commitment to his social-interpersonal role. As a result, the ira* becomes an environmentally dependent person whose responsiveness is rarely self-generated or self-disciplined. The e*ra*, [IcRuUc] from the same primitive cluster, has developed some independence and self-sufficiency, but the ira* has almost no self-sufficiency and little capacity for independence. As has been pointed out above, the ira [IuRuAu] and an ira* adjustments have much in common; in both, there is mental activity of an autistic and self-centered nature.

Failure to develop some kind of control or disciplinary relationship with the external world may result in schizophrenic withdrawal. This control may take the form of compulsive ritualistic behavior or succor dependency. Usually, there is a combination of both. The ira, [IuRuAu] because of his role versatility, is able to establish succor dependency relationships with little effort. If he loses support from one set of support figures, he can readily establish similar relationships with others. Thus, he can remain immature and irresponsible for a long period of his life. The ira*, on the other hand, does not spontaneously attract support, but, in one way or another, has to earn it. Once he has gained support, it is quite traumatic for him to lose it; his lack of social versatility makes it difficult for him to gain new succor and security relationships. The primary characteristic of the ira*, then, is that he has had to learn a uniform role on the basis of which he earns his support and an maintains his succor dependent status. This role is very much a product of the milieu from which he emerges. It is very rare, once he has passed through adolescence, for the ira* to modify or change his role, or adapt to any situation that is unfamiliar, strange, or inappropriate to his established role. In a sense, this is a kind of social-interpersonal blindness, but once he knows the pattern of his life, he can follow his familiar maze without serious mishap.

The variety of life patterns that may occur in this cluster are almost endless, but they all have in common a mechanistic or stereotyped quality. The ira* will often startle people with the blandness of his interests and the superficiality of his interpersonal involvements. The classic simple schizophrenic, certain kinds of ambulatory schizophrenics, and many varieties of schizoid adjustments are pathological representatives of this cluster. Because of the uniform social-interpersonal role that has been learned, they rarely require hospitalization. If they are hospitalized, they almost always make an excellent institutional adjustment, particularly in large hospitals where intensive psychotherapy is impossible. Once too much pressure is placed on them to widen their responsibilities or deepen their emotional relationships, they become resistive and negativistic.

The ira* adapts best in a security system that provides him with succor and support, but requires little individual initiative and very limited responsibility. This kind of person can often be very productive in large industrial and bureaucratic complexes where they have a well-defined role to perform and established criterion to meet. Assembly line workers, farm hands, professional noncommissioned military personnel, and domestic servants are frequently found in the ira* cluster. At higher level of intelligence, it is possible for the ira* to follow the academic stream into complex professions such as law, medicine, teaching, and accounting. However, unless they get into a broad security system that provides structure and discipline, they are rarely productive. Even with such a system, they are usually mundane and prosaic.

The primary problems of the ira* are his selfishness and insensitivity. Unlike the i*ra*, [EcRuUc] who is an emotionally negativistic, but demanding person, the ira* requires little praise, recognition, or reassurance. He is demanding, or obstinate, only about his personal security and succor needs. He is often very possessive about small material things and will take what he wants without guilt or anxiety. He has little sense of responsibility about the rights and needs of others and is prone to be quite aggressive when he does not get what he wants. His aggression is apt to be excessive and inappropriate, particularly about small things such as a day off when he wants it, or changing a machine with which he has become familiar without his prior consent, or being asked to work overtime when this breaks his pattern. He is also frequently and an inappropriately jealous of his colleagues and supervisors whenever he feels they threaten his security. This is the pattern that can produce a beggar who beats up the man who refuses to give him a handout, a relief recipient who shoots the welfare officer who cuts off his relief, and the worker who sets fire to the plant after he has been discharged.