As global uncertainties and digital connectivity entwine daily life, new research has found that stress doesn’t only affect individuals—it can spread from person to person like a virus. Recent studies covered in The Washington Post highlight the science behind “stress contagion,” where exposure to the anxieties and pressures of others can trigger your own stress response. For Thai readers navigating pressures at work, school, or even scrolling through social media, understanding stress contagion and strategies to avoid catching it is both timely and essential (Washington Post, 2025).
Why does this matter for Thais? In a culture where social ties and community are highly valued—think of sanuk at the family dinner table, or sabai sabai attitudes at temple fairs—emotional interactions shape our daily environment. Yet, when social stressors multiply, especially in close-knit or high-pressure settings, they can become overwhelming and are difficult to escape. Widely shared news, calls from stressed relatives, or even reading a tense message on Line can propagate feelings of anxiety without us realizing.
Biological and psychological research explains stress as a survival tool—an internal alarm system honed to help us escape danger, like tsunamis or predatory animals. But as Stephanie Dimitroff, an assistant professor of social psychology at The University of Montana, notes, this alarm system is not well-adapted to modern stressors like looming work deadlines or economic uncertainty. Chronic stress—persistent, drawn out over weeks or months—keeps our bodies flooded with hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which may elevate blood pressure, encourage fat storage, and suppress the immune system. Psychobiologist Natalia Duque-Wilckens highlights that ongoing stress also increases the risk of mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. For many Thais who work long hours or support extended families, these health concerns are becoming more prevalent, echoing national survey findings that place Thailand amongst the most stressed countries in Southeast Asia.
What’s most intriguing about stress contagion is how it operates invisibly within groups. Ethological research, cited by the Post, observes that animals such as birds show signs of group stress: if a few become agitated, the group as a whole becomes less active and more withdrawn. In human terms, a household or workplace where one or two individuals are constantly stressed often sees those feelings ripple out to others. For Thai workplaces where teams work closely—like in community-run markets, government offices, or even within family-run restaurants—when one person “loses face” or expresses frustration, the mood quickly grows tense for everyone.
Stress “transfers” differently in animals and humans. While rodents use scents and ultrasonic cries, humans rely on facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. You might notice someone’s clenched jaw during a morning commute on BTS, or sense the strained silence of a teacher in a Lopburi classroom during exam season. Oversharing of stress-inducing news, often amplified by Thai social media platforms and Line groups, is another driver of this contagion, as explained by Duque-Wilckens.
Yet the story is not all pessimism. Social bonds are also protective—what researchers term “social buffering.” The comfort of a family meal, a chat with close friends at a som tam stall, or time spent with a pet can counteract stress responses, helping us downregulate our emotions faster. Studies suggest that those with supportive relationships recover better from stress, feel more in control, and are healthier over time. Nonetheless, emotional support can be a double-edged sword; while comforting a friend can momentarily increase your own stress, researcher Hanja Brandl describes this as a necessary trade-off that maintains group cohesion. In Thai society, where the Buddhist ideal of “metta” (loving kindness) is prized, reciprocal support allows groups to endure and recover from collective hardships, such as during floods or family crises.
The predisposition to “catch” stress is linked to empathy, Dimitroff notes. High empathy makes us more attuned to not only stress, but also joy, anger, or fear in those around us—a powerful glue in Thai communities. But when empathy leads to emotional flooding, mental health experts advise finding time to reflect and regain control. Stepping back—from negative influences, stressful coworkers, or social media feeds—may be the healthiest choice.
Practical strategies to avoid stress contagion, the experts suggest, are surprisingly simple and well-aligned with Thai cultural values:
- Build and nurture strong social connections. Confide in family or close friends—face-to-face if possible, or through Line video if needed—to gain mutual reassurance. Studies consistently show this reduces the impact of stressful events (PubMed).
- Take periodic breaks from overwhelming social circles or screens—known in Thailand as “ไปพักผ่อนใจ,” or “refreshing the heart.”
- Do activities that bring you joy and calm: stroll through Lumphini Park, visit a temple, listen to “luk thung” music, or practice meditation (สมาธิ). Professor Duque-Wilckens herself recommends personal rituals, such as spending time in nature or with pets.
- Practice mindfulness before sharing stressful news. As Duque-Wilckens warns, well-meaning attempts to raise awareness can backfire, escalating anxiety in others and ourselves. Pause and consider, “Is this necessary to share now?”
- Create boundaries with highly stressed individuals. If a colleague or relative is consistently negative, limit the time you invest without feeling guilt—สุขภาพใจสำคัญกว่า (mental health comes first).
Addressing chronic stress on a national level is not just about individual effort. In Thailand, where economic pressures, traffic jams, high-stakes exams, and rapidly changing family structures abound, the Ministry of Public Health and educational institutions are already running campaigns to destigmatize mental health support (Thai PBS). The COVID-19 pandemic, political protests, and global economic shifts have increased awareness about stress, but social expectations still encourage stoicism, particularly among older generations. Historical contexts—such as the Buddhist teaching “ทุกข์เกิดขึ้นได้ ก็สิ้นสุดลงได้” (“all suffering arises and also ceases”)—help frame the Thai understanding that stress, too, is transient and manageable.
Looking ahead, experts warn that as digital connectivity accelerates, stress contagion will pose an even greater challenge for Thailand’s youth, who are constantly bombarded with new information. Schools and universities are piloting programs for digital literacy and emotional coping skills, but much remains to be done. In the workplace, HR professionals increasingly train staff to recognize early signs of emotional distress in colleagues and promote open dialogue, a practice slowly gaining traction with younger Thai professionals.
Ultimately, putting these strategies into practice can help Thai readers reclaim agency over their emotions. Start by regularly checking in with your feelings, reaching out for support when necessary, and consciously deciding when—and what—to share with others. Small steps can reduce individual and community stress, creating a ripple effect of wellbeing across Thai society. In a world “infected” by stress, spreading calm—putting sabai sabai into action—may be Thailand’s best antidote.
For further reading and stress-management resources, Thai readers are encouraged to visit the Department of Mental Health’s website (DMH), contact mental health hotlines, or participate in local mindfulness workshops.