When people aren't doing well economically, they care a lot about what others think about them. This makes sense because you might need ask for help from others/give to others if they ask. While on the come-up, you care little about what others think, because you're focusing on the economics. But once you've made it, eventually revert back to phase one again. Less out of material necessity, and more for psychological necessity. Possibly there's some element of aiming for the wrong thing

Gerald Weinberg noted that companies with a lot of problems were healthier. This is because whenever you solve your #1 problem, #2 gets a promo. So good companies that solve problems end up with a lot of new ones. Compare this to having a single problem, e.g. we're running out of money. Here's an extension to the emotional realm: people feel their #1 problem with the same level of intensity, irregardless of the actual seriousness of the problem. Your mileage may vary.