In the latest findings spotlighted by CNN and corroborated by leading psychological research, the emotion of ‘awe’ could be a potent but under-utilised tool for improving teen mental health. As mental health issues and stress reach concerning levels among Thai adolescents, experts are urging families, schools, and communities to reimagine opportunities for young people to experience wonder—offering not only moments of joy but shielding effects for their psychological resilience.
The backdrop to this call for action is stark: Thailand, like many nations across Asia, faces a youth mental health crisis. Recent studies show a worrying increase in depression, anxiety, and suicide rates among the young (as reported by the Bangkok Post’s coverage of a ThaiHealth study). According to data, youths 15 years and older are suffering from depression at a rate of 2,200 per 100,000, and up to 17% of adolescents aged 13–17 are vulnerable to suicide attempts (Pacific Prime Thailand). Experts agree: new, creative approaches are urgently required.
Against this somber landscape, recent research led by child development expert Deborah Farmer Kris—who has dedicated years to studying emotional wonder—has gained traction for its potential to equip teens and their families with a practical, science-based antidote. Drawing on the work of the University of California, Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, Kris describes ‘awe’ as an “emotional superfood” with significant benefits: “Awe prompts us to be kinder and humbler. It quiets mental chatter, increases curiosity, and helps us feel connected to other people. It has even been found to reduce biomarkers of stress and inflammation” (CNN).
What does ‘awe’ really mean in this context? Psychologists define awe as a complex emotion—an overwhelming feeling of admiration, wonder, or reverence, often triggered by experiencing something vast or outside our understanding (Wikipedia). It can be as epic as standing before Thailand’s Erawan Waterfalls or as simple as witnessing a random act of kindness in a Bangkok tuk-tuk. What’s new is the research-backed proposal that systematically seeking awe in everyday life can counteract the relentless pressures and anxieties facing today’s teens.
Direct physiological effects make awe-wonder especially valuable at a developmental stage where stress, over-programming, and social isolation threaten well-being. According to medical research, awe is associated with increased vagal tone, reduced inflammation, and boosted oxytocin—key factors in stress reduction and social bonding (PMC). Psychology Today further states that experiencing awe reduces the dominance of negative, repetitive thoughts and inspires altruistic behaviour (Psychology Today). As UC Berkeley’s distinguished psychology professor Dacher Keltner summarized: “Don’t underestimate the power of goosebumps.”
For Thai readers, these findings are particularly relevant. Thailand’s highly competitive academic environment, powerful social media pressures, and strong family expectations generate unique sources of adolescent distress, as cited in analysis by Pacific Prime and UNICEF. Stigma and cultural taboos further deter open conversations about mental health (Pacific Prime), while a severe shortage of specialized mental health professionals leaves many Thai youths without timely support (Bangkok Post). Against this backdrop, awe offers a culturally adaptable and highly accessible intervention.
Kris and concordant research suggest awe is not limited to extravagant experiences; it can be cultivated daily through three main approaches:
Tune in to What Lights Up Teens: Adolescence is a time of identity formation, where interests shift rapidly. Adults are encouraged to practice “radical curiosity” about the passions and hobbies that invigorate their children—whether that’s joining a neighborhood art project, exploring Thai traditional music, or participating in a robotics club. The aim is to observe and nurture moments that make teens’ eyes light up, validating their wonder and self-discovery.
Seek Ordinary Sources of Awe: Awe is accessible. Thai families do not need to wait for national park holidays or major festivals like Loy Krathong to inspire awe. It can be found in everyday acts—cheering for a local football team, admiring a sunset on Bang Saen beach, or witnessing acts of kindness in bustling markets. Research confirms that collective activities—where teens work toward shared goals—create the strongest feelings of “collective effervescence” and social belonging.
Celebrate Beauty Daily: To counter negative online content and social isolation, adults and teens are encouraged to intentionally share moments of everyday beauty—through photos, quotes, or small stories. This daily sharing, even via Line messages or family group chats, can become a ritual of connection. “Teens are astute anthropologists of human behavior. If we want them to feel more of this amazing human emotion, we must become awe-seekers and awe-sharers ourselves,” writes Kris. Technology can be reclaimed from its default setting of distraction and used intentionally as a tool for awe-focused connection.
This approach is finding resonance with mental health advocates in Thailand. ThaiHealth’s art therapy initiatives and family-focused community projects are beginning to embed these ideas into local practice, offering new pathways for holistic healing and resilience-building (Bangkok Post). The shift toward positive psychology and “awe therapy” marks a promising step away from solely treating symptoms toward proactively nurturing wellbeing.
Historical and cultural factors help explain both the opportunity and the challenge. Traditional Thai values, rooted in Theravada Buddhist notions of humility, interconnectedness, and presence, naturally align with awe-based mindfulness. Yet, these same values can reinforce reticence about discussing mental struggles—a paradox highlighted in mental health research (Pacific Prime). However, as more Thai parents, teachers, and community leaders recognize that supporting emotional health is as vital as academic achievement, there are encouraging signs of change.
Looking ahead, integrating awe into mental health strategies could reshape support systems for Thai youth. Schools and temples, with their communal activities and regular exposure to beauty and largeness (from traditional performances to meditation), are well-placed to serve as awe incubators. Policy makers are advised to consider awe-based programs as low-cost, high-impact supplements to conventional therapy—especially critical in regions where psychologist shortages are acute.
For parents, educators, and community organisations, the practical advice is clear:
- Practice “radical curiosity” by observing and encouraging your teenager’s evolving passions.
- Seek and celebrate moments of everyday awe, big or small—especially collective or communal experiences.
- Share something beautiful or wondrous daily with the young people in your life, using technology as a bridge rather than an impediment.
- Foster an environment where emotional wonder is validated and openly discussed, reducing stigma.
- Advocate for more awe-focused activities and support their inclusion in schools, temples, and community centres.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, remember support is available:
- Mental Health Hotline 1323 (Thai Department of Mental Health): 24/7 confidential support
- Samaritans of Thailand: Free, bi-lingual emotional support
- UNICEF Thailand: Ongoing research and youth-friendly mental health resources
Ultimately, in a society facing seismic shifts in technology, culture, and family structure, awe may be the emotion Thailand’s teens—and the adults who care for them—most need. By rediscovering what inspires wonder, individuals and society can find both relief from stress and a renewed sense of connection in an uncertain world.
Read more on the science of awe at CNN, University of California, Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and Psychology Today.