As aversive individuals, there is a tendency to maintain their distance and privacy. Few positive reinforcers are experienced by self or others. Views self as socially inept, inadequate and inferior. Preoccupation with disruptive and perplexing inner thoughts, irrelevant and digressive ideation and excessive imagination are characteristic of this personality type. Limited avenues of gratification are possessed.
Unanticipated stress can cause regressive decompensation.
Inner representations are characterized by intense, conflict-ridden memories and few mechanisms to channel needs, bind impulses, and resolve conflicts. An unstable network of tortuous emotions create a fragile intrapsychic organization. Escape is achieved through daydreams. Interrupted thought continuity and difficulty resolving conflicts are typical. Communication interference and meager coping skills make goal attainment unlikely.