Psychology

As the world continues to witness conflicts such as those in Gaza and Ukraine, public concern has focused on how the trauma endured by those caught in these crises might affect not only survivors, but also their children and grandchildren. The idea of trauma being somehow “etched” into our DNA and handed down to future generations has captivated the Thai public, especially given the country’s own turbulent history and collective memories of hardship. However, emerging scientific research reveals that the story is far more nuanced—and hopeful—than many headlines suggest.

In a world where relationship advice is often boiled down to grand romantic gestures or marathon conversations, new psychological research suggests that the secret to lasting love lies in three subtle, nearly automatic habits practiced by emotionally healthy couples. The insights, highlighted by a clinical psychologist and featured in a recent Forbes article, offer fresh guidance for couples in Thailand who hope to build stronger, more enduring partnerships in the face of modern-day pressures (Forbes).

A growing understanding of neurodiversity shines a light on a quiet burden many families carry: the emotional strain on parents of neurodivergent children. While Thai society increasingly celebrates diverse minds, parents often feel guilt, exhaustion, and isolation behind a brave, composed exterior. Meeting these families’ needs is essential to support neurodivergent individuals.

Neurodiversity views brain differences—such as autism, ADHD, and learning variations—as natural forms of human diversity rather than disorders. The conversation has evolved since the 1990s to emphasize strengths, self-advocacy, and inclusive education. Yet the daily, personal struggles of families remain underrecognized.

A growing body of research and personal testimony is beginning to reveal a silent epidemic facing families across the globe: the complex emotional burden shouldered by parents of neurodivergent children. As explored in a recent Psychology Today article, many parents struggle with feelings of guilt, exhaustion, and isolation—but these feelings are all too often hidden behind a facade of resilience. Recognizing and addressing the needs of these families is increasingly acknowledged as a crucial, yet often overlooked, part of supporting neurodivergent individuals themselves.

Trauma is reshaping how Thai communities think about health across generations. The idea that hardship can become woven into our biology has long haunted Thailand’s historical narratives. New science, however, shows the body and mind can adapt and recover, offering practical paths for families.

Interest in transgenerational trauma has grown as researchers explore whether past family stress leaves lasting marks on gene activity. In Thailand, where stories of resilience run through national memory, the topic resonates deeply. Leading scientists caution that trauma is not a fixed fingerprint in the genome. Instead, biology demonstrates plasticity, opening actionable avenues for healing.

A recent international study spearheaded by The Big Joy Project has revealed that performing small, science-backed acts of joy for just five to ten minutes a day can significantly improve happiness, well-being, and even physical health. Drawing on data from over 17,000 participants spanning 169 countries, researchers found that these so-called “micro acts” or “joy snacks” deliver measurable benefits—offering a powerful, time-efficient tool to enhance everyday life.

For many in Thailand and around the world, demanding schedules and the pressures of modern life leave little room for self-care. Yet, the latest findings suggest that happiness may be far more accessible than previously thought. The Big Joy Project, part of the Mission: JOY initiative inspired by the friendship and teachings of the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, set out to test whether small, practical acts could uplift mood and reduce stress across various populations, not just in ideal laboratory settings but out in the “messy” real world (AOL News).

A global study led by the Big Joy Project shows that small, science-backed acts of joy—performed for five to ten minutes daily—significantly improve happiness, well-being, and even physical health. Data from more than 17,000 participants across 169 countries indicate that micro acts, or joy snacks, are a practical, time-efficient path to better daily life.

In Thailand and around the world, busy schedules and modern pressures often leave little room for self-care. The latest findings suggest happiness may be more accessible than many think. The Big Joy Project, inspired by the friendship between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, tested whether simple, everyday actions could lift mood and reduce stress across diverse populations, not just in controlled laboratories but in real life.

A new wave of psychological research reveals that while money may not buy happiness, using it to reclaim time for your loved ones might be the closest thing to a shortcut. A series of recent studies suggest that for busy couples, investments in services that free up precious hours—like food delivery or hiring cleaners—can be transformed into deeper relationship satisfaction, especially when that time is spent together in meaningful ways. This insight offers a powerful cultural lesson for urban Thai families struggling to maintain intimacy amidst ever-rising work and life demands.

A new study suggests money can’t buy happiness, but spending to reclaim time with loved ones can boost relationship satisfaction. This insight resonates with Thai couples who juggle work, commutes, and family duties in fast-paced cities.

In Thai culture, family and partnership are highly valued. The findings encourage a practical shift: invest resources to unlock quality moments with loved ones rather than pursuing financial success alone. The result could be deeper bonds and greater fulfillment.

A recent global study reframes “cool” as a cluster of six core traits rather than a fleeting trend. Published in a leading psychology journal, the research investigates how media and Western values shape perceptions of cool—even in Thai classrooms and communities where local culture blends with global influence.

Thai students, teachers, and parents are navigating questions of identity, belonging, and aspirations in a rapidly changing media landscape. With social media and pop icons shaping trends, researchers explored what truly defines cool and whether those qualities translate across cultures.

A new international study has turned a spotlight on the ever-elusive concept of “coolness,” revealing that the quality might be less about trendsetting or attitude, and more about six key personality traits. Published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, this research offers fresh insights not just into pop culture, but also into the ways global media and Western values shape our perceptions—even here in Thailand, where local and global cultures intersect constantly (NYTimes).

A sweeping new review of nearly 340 studies has cast doubt on the widely held belief that similarities between long-term romantic partners are the key to relationship satisfaction and longevity. While the idea that “birds of a feather flock together” dominates Western thinking, the research finds that actual similarity in personality, interests, and background may play a much smaller role in relationship success than previously assumed. Instead, it appears the feeling of being similar to one’s partner—rather than measurable overlap—could matter most for lasting happiness together (PsyPost).

A comprehensive review of nearly 340 studies challenges the idea that matching traits predict long-term relationship success. The research suggests that actual similarity in personality, backgrounds, and interests plays only a modest role. Instead, feeling similar to a partner—perceived similarity—has a stronger link to lasting happiness and relationship stability.

For Thai readers navigating traditional values and modern dating, the findings are especially relevant. Thailand’s social landscape blends age-old beliefs about partnership with global dating culture, raising questions about what truly sustains a satisfying relationship.

A recent study from San Francisco State University provides a significant breakthrough for employers and organizations seeking to identify narcissistic tendencies in job candidates. By carefully crafting and analyzing responses to just three targeted interview questions, the researchers found a remarkably efficient method to spot potentially disruptive personalities—offering Thai employers, educators, and even community leaders a practical new tool for building healthier teams and workplaces (Psychology Today).

This research is especially relevant to Thailand, where the concept of “face” and harmonious group interaction play a central role in organizational culture. Narcissistic grandiosity—characterized by a focus on personal gain, dominance in group settings, and a lack of empathy—threatens not only productivity but also the emotional well-being of colleagues. In a country where community, respect, and consensus are highly valued, early identification of such traits can prevent workplace conflict and staff turnover, which are persistent challenges in both Thai corporate and government offices.

A recent study from San Francisco State University offers a practical tool for employers and organizations seeking to identify narcissistic traits in candidates. By analyzing responses to three carefully chosen interview questions, researchers found a notably efficient way to flag potentially disruptive personalities. This approach could help Thai employers, educators, and community leaders build healthier teams and workplaces.

In Thailand, where the concept of face and harmonious group interaction play a central role in organizational culture, narcissistic grandiosity—defined by self-centeredism, dominance, and a lack of empathy—poses risks to both productivity and colleagues’ well-being. Early identification of such traits can help prevent workplace conflict and staff turnover, a persistent challenge in both corporate and government settings in Thailand.

A new wave of artificial intelligence (AI) companions is promising seamless emotional support and simulated relationships, but recent research warns that our growing reliance on “synthetic intimacy” comes with profound psychological costs. As Thai society rapidly adopts virtual assistants, chatbots, and AI-driven relationship apps, researchers caution that confusing machine simulation for genuine human connection could reshape our emotional well-being and disrupt core aspects of Thai social life.

The popularity of AI chatbots designed to act as romantic partners, friends, or even therapists has exploded globally. A striking example comes from a recent experiment by a prominent technology futurist who dated four different AI “boyfriends,” each powered by a major large language model such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and MetaAI. She described her experiences as “sweet and steamy,” but also admitted they revealed new, unsettling emotional possibilities. This trend, echoed throughout the international tech world, is now making inroads across Southeast Asia, including in Thailand, where the tech sector and the digitally native generation are increasingly turning to virtual relationships out of curiosity, loneliness, or a desire for frictionless companionship (Psychology Today).

A groundbreaking psychology study published in the Journal of Research in Personality has uncovered that people around the world—including potentially in Thailand—tend to make strong, consistent judgments about a person’s personality based solely on their tattoos, but these assessments are usually inaccurate. Only tattoos judged to be particularly “wacky” or unusual line up, to a modest degree, with reality: such tattoos are linked with higher openness to new experiences, according to the researchers (PsyPost).

A breakthrough study from San Francisco State University has identified three simple interview questions that could effectively flag narcissistic tendencies in job applicants—a finding with important implications for Thai workplaces concerned about team dynamics and organisational health. The research, published in June 2025 and highlighted by Psychology Today, responds to a growing need for practical screening tools that can efficiently identify problematic personalities before they impact the work environment or company culture (Psychology Today).

A new wave of AI companions offers seamless emotional support and simulated relationships, but researchers warn that relying on “synthetic intimacy” carries significant psychological costs. As Thai society rapidly adopts virtual assistants, chatbots, and AI-driven relationship apps, experts caution that mistaking machine simulation for real human connection could reshape emotional health and everyday social life in Thailand.

Global interest in AI partners has surged. In a high-profile personal experiment, a tech thinker dated several AI “boyfriends” built on major language models. She described the experience as both charming and unsettling, highlighting new emotional possibilities. This trend is echoing across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, where a youthful, digitally native generation is exploring virtual relationships out of curiosity, loneliness, or a desire for frictionless companionship. Research from credible outlets notes the growing footprint of synthetic intimacy in daily life.

A recent psychology study reveals that people tend to judge a person’s personality based on tattoos, but those judgments are rarely accurate. The research found that only tattoos deemed “wacky” or unusual carried a modest link to openness to new experiences. In practice, visual cues about tattoos do not reliably reflect traits like agreeableness, extraversion, or conscientiousness.

In Thailand today, decorative and symbolic tattoos are common among urban youth, tourists, and even religious devotees. As body art grows in popularity—mirroring trends seen in many countries, where roughly one in three adults has some form of tattoo—this study highlights how stubborn stereotypes persist even as tattoo culture broadens its meanings.

A new study from San Francisco State University offers three simple interview questions that can flag narcissistic tendencies in job applicants. The findings, published in June 2025 and summarized by Psychology Today, provide practical tools for Thai organizations aiming to protect team dynamics and organizational health.

In Thailand, where harmony and “namjai” (น้ำใจ) are valued, unchecked narcissism can quietly undermine collaboration, morale, and performance. The research focuses on narcissistic grandiosity—the aspect most linked to disruptive workplace behavior. The team reduced an initial pool of 19 indicators to three core questions, designed to fit both formal interviews and casual group discussions. The questions reliably correlated with scores on standard narcissism measures, offering a quick screening method rather than a formal diagnosis.

A recent study from the University of Barcelona shows that everyday language can help detect personality traits and that AI models can explain how they reach these conclusions. Using integrated gradients, researchers make the decision process of AI personality assessments more transparent. The work, published in PLOS ONE, could influence how personality is measured in fields like clinical psychology, education, and human resources.

For Thai audiences, the timing is timely. Southeast Asia is rapidly adopting digital tools, including AI, in schools, universities, and workplaces in Bangkok and beyond. Language-based personality assessments could support student counseling, recruitment, and personalized learning. However, ethical considerations must accompany these advances as Thailand explores AI-enabled solutions.

AI chatbots are emerging as a potential emotional lifeline for people seeking support, with new research showing more individuals turning to artificial intelligence for comfort traditionally sought from human therapists. While this offers faster, around-the-clock access, experts warn about privacy risks and the limits of AI as a substitute for professional care. The Thai context is especially salient as access to mental health services remains uneven and cultural factors influence how people seek help.

A groundbreaking study led by researchers at the University of Barcelona has harnessed artificial intelligence (AI) to reveal how everyday language can be used to detect personality traits, while also making key inroads into understanding how such AI models make their decisions. Using advanced machine learning techniques and a transparent, explainable AI approach known as “integrated gradients,” the research demystifies the inner workings of AI personality assessments. Their findings, recently published in PLOS ONE, could transform how personality is measured and ethically deployed across fields ranging from clinical psychology to education and human resources (source).