iru is the most primitive and least tense adjustment of the primitive IRU orientation. There are many similarities between iru and ira, but the iru is not as deceptive or misleading. Since he does not have the imitative role adaptability of the ira, the schizoid flavor and self-centered withdrawal of the iru are very obvious. He is usually recognized and dealt with as a schizoid; there are few attempts by others toward social-interpersonal involvement.
The iru and ira* adjustments are also very similar. However, the iru does not develop the role uniform social behavior of the ira·. Rather than stereotyping and caricaturing social behavior, the iru tends to be oblivious to, indifferent toward, or uncertain about his social-interpersonal role. He uses very little social initiative of any kind and, thus, tends to be passive and preoccupied in social situations. Shyness and elusiveness are common characteristics. When placed in social situations, moreover, the ir will be non-responsive and non-active. He is rarely as defensive as might be the i*r*u*, who has a need to avoid or escape his desire for activity. The iru adjustment is one of true indifference.
Since the primitive IRU is rarely left alone because his non-participation is so obvious, he has a choice -- in an abstract, not a conscious sense -- of either cutting off his responsiveness entirely or learning to respond to direction. The ira* has been described as the adjustment through which an individual learns a social role that covers or masks his schizoid activity. In the purist sense, the iru adjustment represents a procedural ability rather than a role-playing ability. The iru covers or obscures his schizoid tendencies by learning rituals; protocols, and procedures that he can persevere and use to avoid either the threat of complete isolation where he might become autistic or the threat of social-interpersonal activity where he will be shy or indifferent.
The iru and ira* adjustments are also very similar. However, the iru does not develop the role uniform social behavior of the ira·. Rather than stereotyping and caricaturing social behavior, the iru tends to be oblivious to, indifferent toward, or uncertain about his social-interpersonal role. He uses very little social initiative of any kind and, thus, tends to be passive and preoccupied in social situations. Shyness and elusiveness are common characteristics. When placed in social situations, moreover, the ir will be non-responsive and non-active. He is rarely as defensive as might be the i*r*u*, who has a need to avoid or escape his desire for activity. The iru adjustment is one of true indifference.
Since the primitive IRU is rarely left alone because his non-participation is so obvious, he has a choice -- in an abstract, not a conscious sense -- of either cutting off his responsiveness entirely or learning to respond to direction. The ira* has been described as the adjustment through which an individual learns a social role that covers or masks his schizoid activity. In the purist sense, the iru adjustment represents a procedural ability rather than a role-playing ability. The iru covers or obscures his schizoid tendencies by learning rituals; protocols, and procedures that he can persevere and use to avoid either the threat of complete isolation where he might become autistic or the threat of social-interpersonal activity where he will be shy or indifferent.