Raskolnikov's financial difficulties have psychological and sociological effects in his life.

Stress from a lack of financial security cause him to develop an indifference to responsibility. His prideful nature alienates him from society. His paranoid behavior was possibly triggered by the burden of monetary hardship. Uncertainty in Raskolnikov's life led to a variety of mental difficulties. From the beginning of Crime and Punishment one ascertains that Rodion Raskolnikov is neglectful of his responsibilities. A prime example to this listlessness is his debt to his land-lady Praskovya Pavlovna. Raskolnikov frequently pawns his possessions in an attempt to maintain his livelihood yet never seems to pay his dues. His disregard for the rent causes him to avoid Praskovya Pavlovna lest he be subjected to her trivial, irrelevant gossip and pestering demands for payment. This apathy may also contribute to his usual aversion to social interaction. One of Raskolnikov's most obvious trait is his pride; he has become so self-absorbed that he attempts to isolate himself from any and all company. A good example of Raskolnikov's pride can be seen as he is reading a letter from his mother, Pulcheria. In the letter Pulcheria conveys that a man named Pyotr Petrovitch who has made Dounia, his sister, an offer of marriage. He assumes that Dounia has only accepted Petrovitch's offer so that Raskolnikov himself can have greater opportunities in life. Never once does it cross his mind that Dounia has accepted this offer as a way to secure her own well-being. One can discern from the novel that Raskolnikov may suffer from paranoia. His paranoia builds after he commits the murder of Alyona Ivanovna, a pawn broker, and her sister Lizaveta. Adding to his terror, little by little, he is careless with his actions and suspicious; from leaving bloody rags on the floor to his fear when summonsed to the police station. Upon hearing the district superintendent and his assistant discussing the aforementioned murders, Raskolnikov is overcome with a fear so great he loses consciousness, causing the superintendent assistant to become suspicious. All these events may have contributed to his feeling of claustrophobia in this world. Hopefully these examples demonstrate the mental stress of financial hardship. Raskolnikov's indifference to his obligations is shown by lack of payment and impending eviction by Praskovya Pavlovna. His pride is exampled in his belief that Dounia has accepted a marriage offer in order to give him better opportunities in the future. Raskolnikov's paranoia is indicated by his suspicion when summonsed by the police. Rodion Raskolnikov is a complex character with many side effects created by his social standing.