A Psychological Study of Familial Anxiety and Challenge in Selected American Plays

This thesis attempts to explore the phenomenon of family anxiety, which is a psychological and sociological phenomenon that can be seen in some modern American plays, including The Humans (2016) by Stephen karam, Rabbit Hole (2010) by David Lindsay-Abaier, and August: Osage County (2008) by Tracy Letts. In terms of theories that will be applied to explore this phenomenon, the study will utilize Freudian psychoanalytic theory, which can explain the significance of the unconscious mind, conflict, and repressed desire in building a relationship between family members and creating anxiety in them. At the same time, this study will utilize family systems theory and family stress theory in explaining the transmission of anxiety in families. The thesis is also concerned with the social, economic, and political aspects of family anxiety, including such things as economic instability, unemployment, social inequality, and cultural influences. From the detailed examination of the selected dramatic texts, it was found that the modern American drama uses such techniques as realism and symbolism for portraying the psychological and emotional challenges faced by the contemporary family, showing the fragility of the balance between emotional support and inner conflict. It shows that family anxiety is a multi-dimensional notion that is formed because of the interplay between internal psychological and external stress-related factors. Moreover, the American theatre has turned out to be a valuable artistic tool in portraying this phenomenon, as it effectively captures the nuances of family dynamics and the impact of societal pressures on families.