One of the outstanding features of primitive rigidity is a narrow, restricted. range of awareness. As the theory puts it, rigidity is characterized by "insulation," a psychological state defined as one in which the individual reacts to, and becomes involved with, a limited number of specific, well defined stimuli. Although this constriction has a number of concomitant drawbacks and limitations, it is not without certain special advantages.
The inherently rigid individual, or the primitive "R," has the ability to select, and focus on, comparatively narrow aspects of the total stimulus field, while remaining unaware of, and undistracted by, other stimuli which are irrelevant to his specific concerns. He Is therefore characterized by psychological traits such as attention, concentration, and set. As a result, he has a high threshold for confusion. He can, in fact, tolerate considerable stress before changing his behavior, primarily because he remains relatively unaware of it unless, or until, it has become comparatively intense and sustained.
The primitive "R" tends not only to focus on narrow segments of reality, but also to be satisfied within them. In consequence, although his activities are restricted, he is not apt to initiate shifts himself, nor to undertake voluntary changes in his behavior, attitudes, and interests. He Is, therefore, highly dependent on external guidance and control to push him toward extending the areas of his activity. Given such direction however, he is usually able to progress well, within the limitations imposed by his rigidity.
The primitive "R" is apt to become preoccupied with narrow areas of activity to the point of becoming relatively oblivious to people and events around him. His inherent approach to reality is through discrete, logic-tight compartments. His intense involvement with what is occupying his attention results in self-centeredness and self-preoccupation. His restricted awareness leads to a lack of sensitivity In many respects, especially in the intra and Interpersonal areas. The primitive "R" has little Insight into himself, or
into the needs and feelings of others. He tends to be literal-minded, specific, unimaginative, and unoriginal. He is neither Impulsive nor spontaneous. He can recognize, identify, classify, and regulate effectively, but he has little ability for interpersonal understanding, and even less for empathy.
The lack of insight which characterizes primitive rigidity also extends into the area of learning. The primitive "R" has marked ability to learn without understanding. He is excellent in rote learning, and has little need to understand before he learns. The quality of his learning is essentially
imitative and perseverative He can acquire procedures, routines, forms, and habits readily. He will not, however, tend to introduce variation spontaneously into his learning activities, just as he will not be voluntarily inclined to shift in other areas.
The primitive "R" has the capacity to develop specific aptitudes to a high degree. He does not object to painstaking practice, and does not resent repeated drill. On the contrary, he tends to enjoy perseverative activities, and to become involved with them at the expense of other interests. If he is provided with external direction, he can learn, retain, and utilize skills well. He can accept authority readily, and follow it without question. Under appropriate guidance, he has the ability to become highly specialized, even overspecialized., In single psychological functions, and his learning is extremely effective in specific, well-defined, and clearly structured tasks. He Is especially adept in learning situations in which accomplishment depends chiefly on rote memory or manual dexterity, rather than on problem-solving.
Rigidity, like the other primitive personality tendencies predisposes the individual to certain kinds of awareness and response, at the same time inhibiting others. Accordingly, if the primitive "R" is to overcome the limitations on adjustment which rigidity exerts, he must learn to increase the range
of reactivity which is "natural" to him. He is essentially insensitive tough, self-centered, and narrow. He must learn how to escape from his own logic tight compartments, become more interpersonally sensitive and responsive, and introduce insight and understanding Into his relationships and his learning.