A new international study sheds light on why some Thai teens respond with heightened fear in everyday, safe situations. Researchers show that early-life adversity—such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction—can impair fear learning. This makes it harder for adolescents to distinguish safety from threat, triggering stronger emotional and physical reactions in daily life. The findings offer important context for Thailand’s ongoing focus on youth mental health and stress the need for culturally sensitive interventions in schools and communities.
Data from a European-led study involving 119 adolescents aged 12 to 16 indicates that those with significant early adversity overestimate danger, even when cues are clearly safe. In the study’s fear-conditioning task, some visual cues were paired with a mild stimulus, while others were not.Adolescents with adverse backgrounds showed broader fear generalization, especially among girls, who tended to treat many safe stimuli as threatening. Importantly, this pattern reflected altered emotional learning rather than basic perceptual ability, as these teens performed well on visual discrimination tasks. The research is consistent with broader findings that early trauma can set a trajectory for anxiety and mood disorders during adolescence.
Experts say the implications extend beyond laboratories. In Thailand, mental health professionals have long observed higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms among youths who experience family stress, economic hardship, or domestic conflict. Official health data point to a rise in youth mental health consultations since the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the value of early identification and intervention. Thailand’s education and health authorities are urged to strengthen trauma-informed practices in schools, with a focus on accessible supports for vulnerable students.
Thai culture adds a layer of complexity. The concept of kreng jai—a preference to spare others from burden—can discourage young people from seeking help or sharing difficulties at home. This context makes confidential, non-judgmental outreach essential. School-based mental health screenings and strengthened counselor networks are among the practical steps already being piloted in Bangkok and other provinces, with support from the Ministry of Public Health and international partners.
In the wake of rapid urbanization and increasing digital connectivity, Thai adolescents increasingly turn to online spaces for comfort and community. While digital platforms offer opportunities to disseminate mental health resources, they can also expose youths to cyberbullying and risky online relationships. Stakeholders in Bangkok warn that safeguarding youth online is as important as in-person supports, calling for coordinated actions across schools, health centers, and families.
Looking ahead, applying the study’s insights offers a path toward targeted prevention. Scalable, trauma-informed education—paired with teacher and counselor training and robust family outreach—can help Thai youth learn to regulate fear responses and maintain focus in class. Policy actions in education and public health should emphasize early screening for adversity, resilience-building curricula, and easy access to counseling services across provinces.
Local voices highlight the need for culturally attentive care. A Bangkok-based child mental health professional notes that fear generalization is a rational response to danger but becomes disruptive when it persists in safe environments. Training for adults—parents, teachers, and community leaders—should emphasize recognizing distress, reducing stigma, and guiding youths toward healthy coping strategies grounded in Thai tradition, such as mindfulness practices and communal activities that reinforce trust.
Families, communities, and schools all have roles to play. Encouraging open conversations about emotions, seeking guidance from counselors or trusted spiritual leaders, and participating in community mental health programs can help lift the hidden burden of adversity. Early action by families and schools—such as screening for adversity, empathetic education, and accessible counseling—can prevent fear from hindering learning and long-term wellbeing.
For broader context, this article synthesizes findings from international research and integrates Thailand’s domestic experiences with youth mental health. Data and perspectives reflect ongoing work by Thai health authorities, education agencies, and local NGOs, who are advancing trauma-informed approaches across the country.