The fictional narrative below exhibits quite a number of alluded psychological concepts. These concepts are categorically discussed in terms of the name and the general perspective each concept falls under.
Aggressiveness
The case study of Allan and his family first of all starts by exploring the relentless attitude which Allan has towards making sure that he secures a better job to sustain his family. This was not an easy choice for him to make bearing in mind that he was abandoning his secure job for another company which had not established itself. This psychological concept alludes decision making ability of Allan. The concept falls under behavioral approach because as it can be observed, it took an extra mile for Allan to leave his secure work. This was not only risky as far as his income was concerned but also very delicate undertaking which only required an aggressive attitude. In fact, as can be noted from the essay, “it hasn’t worked out as well as he’d hoped” (par.1).
Another level of aggressive attitude exposed by Allan is the ability to work until late hours including weekends because he seems to be a perfectionist in spite of the demanding standards from his employer. This continual work presence has led to a myriad of accusation s from his family who assert that he has abandoned them altogether.
Additionally, this psychological concept is well brought in Asch’s Conformity Study which elaborates how social influences can determine how an individual conforms to emerging changes including shaping of ones point of view.
Decision Making
This is yet another psychological concept alluded in the fictional essay. This falls under the broader cognition level whereby Allan has to make up his min regarding different lines of action he has to take. Although the process of decision making might lead to wrong judgment in the end, Allan demonstrates optimism in his actions. For instance, when his sister Erin asked him how he felt concerning his predicament, he replied saying “…I am happy-very happy, in fact”. Although not all is well, Allan is still hoping for the best. Optimism theory has it that those who practice it do not take a myriad of precautions in whatever they do. No wonder Allan at one point or the other appears to be careless both in his speech and actions. Moreover, his oldest son, Carl, seems to be indecisive having dropped out of college in addition to changing workplaces several times. Carl is also unable to settle at one dressing style. This psychological concept of decision making is further expounded in Self-Discrepancy Theory which explains that there is a tendency of people creating a comparison of themselves between the desires emanating from the inner being and the external attributes.
Hedonic treadmill
This refers to the ability of a person to maintain a sense of satisfaction and happiness in spite of the emerging changes which may not be favorable at all. This is a psychological concept which is well brought about by the character of Allan’s wife, Betty. She is not duly affected by the financial intrigues of her husband and she goes ahead spending as usual. She says “I don’t remember” (last par.) when Allan inquires where she placed the expenditure records so that they can monitor their spending due to the deteriorating finances. This psychological concept falls under effect category. Moreover, although Allan and Betty are not contended about the progress of their son, Carl himself is quite composed and unperturbed by the circumstances surrounding his father especially finances. This is another example of hedonic treadmill.