A groundbreaking study led by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has found that individuals with depressive symptoms are more likely to interpret neutral situations negatively when exposed to unrelated negative surroundings—a phenomenon described as an “emotional spillover” effect. This discovery carries significant implications for understanding and treating depression in Thailand, where mental health issues remain a deeply sensitive topic, and highlights new avenues for improving emotional resilience in a rapidly changing society (Neuroscience News).
Every Thai knows how atmosphere shapes emotion, whether enjoying prasom tam som at a street market or navigating the chaos of Bangkok’s traffic. But now, researchers have scientific evidence that our emotional responses are dramatically influenced by what’s around us—especially for those with depression. The study, led by a professor from the Seymour Fox School of Education and Department of Psychology and a doctoral researcher, sought to examine how peripheral visual information (background images not directly related to a central focus) modifies the emotional experience of people with depressive tendencies. Their experiment involved over 270 university students, each shown images with varying emotional content—some neutral, some negative—while surrounded by other images that were neutral, negative, or positive.
The results were striking. For people experiencing higher levels of depressive symptoms, neutral images were consistently rated as more negative if they were presented alongside negative visuals, even though these surrounding elements were irrelevant to the central image. In contrast, positive or neutral periphery did not produce the same effect. Surprisingly, positive surroundings did little to offset negative reactions—a result that challenges common beliefs, especially popular in Thai wellness circles, about the power of positive thinking or environments.
As the lead professor noted, “Our emotional experiences are rarely shaped by a single stimulus alone. This research shows that people—especially those with depressive tendencies—may be more vulnerable to the emotional ‘spillover’ of surrounding negativity, even when it’s not directly relevant to the situation at hand.” This finding echoes experiences of many Thais who report intensified negativity in stressful, crowded, or noisy environments—underscoring how everyday situations, from a crowded BTS commute to social media doom-scrolling, can be particularly overwhelming for people struggling with depression.
The research team also highlighted an “emotional asymmetry”: negative peripheral cues strongly influence emotional interpretation, whereas positive cues have limited ability to counteract negative responses. A doctoral researcher working on the project remarked, “These findings suggest that negative cues have a stronger influence on emotional interpretation than positive ones, especially in those with depressive symptoms.” This may explain why individuals with depression often perceive the world through a darker lens, even in neutral or ordinary environments.
Thailand has seen a sharp rise in mental health concerns since the COVID-19 pandemic, with urban Thais reporting record rates of stress, burnout, and depression (WHO Thailand Mental Health Report, 2023)—issues compounded by economic pressures, social isolation, and digital overload. Many Thai families still struggle with the stigma attached to mental illness, often perceiving depression as a weakness or result of lack of gratitude. Research like this helps clarify that depression involves complex cognitive and perceptual mechanisms, not simply a lack of effort or willpower.
Moreover, the findings carry direct implications for Thailand’s urban design, advertising, and digital environment. Social media feeds, often loaded with negative news or conflict, could have outsized emotional effects on Thais with depressive symptoms, even when people are merely scrolling past drama or distressing imagery. Likewise, overly negative advertising, sensationalist news headlines, or stressful public spaces might contribute more to national malaise than previously understood. For Buddhist communities, traditionally advised to “see with equanimity,” the study challenges the limits of positive surroundings as antidotes to inner turmoil.
The researchers at Hebrew University suggest that therapeutic interventions could be developed to help individuals recognize and regulate the impact of peripheral negativity—whether from social media, advertising, or their physical surroundings. “Recognizing the subtle power of context may help us build better tools to support emotional resilience,” the lead professor said. In the Thai setting, this could mean designing school, work, and digital environments more thoughtfully, prioritizing emotional safety, quiet zones, and positive community spaces that reduce the risk of negative emotional spillover. For therapists and family members, it means being mindful not just of the direct challenges a depressed individual faces, but of the cumulative impact of their everyday environment.
Mental health professionals in Thailand, such as psychiatrists at central Bangkok hospitals or counselors in Chiang Mai universities, could integrate these insights into cognitive-behavioral therapies, helping patients develop awareness of contextual triggers and strategies for emotional regulation. Educational materials issued by the Ministry of Public Health and Department of Mental Health may consider including tips on how to manage environmental stressors, reinforcing that ‘changing your context’ is a valid step—sometimes as vital as changing your mindset. Even temple-based meditation programs could benefit from guidance on the subtle effects of visual surroundings during mindfulness practice.
Historically, Thai health policy has focused on access to psychiatric services, while community campaigns emphasized family support. This latest research, however, calls for a broader approach—one that considers the design of living environments, the structure of digital news feeds, and the content of public communications. Thailand’s unique blend of tradition and technology, rural calm and urban bustle, offers both challenges and opportunities for implementing these new insights.
Looking ahead, experts forecast that as Thailand’s population becomes more urban and digitally connected, the influence of peripheral negativity will only grow. More research will be needed to tailor intervention strategies for Thai youth, older adults, and diverse cultural groups—building emotional resilience in an age of constant stimulation.
For Thai readers, the practical takeaway is clear: Be mindful of your surroundings, both offline and online. If you or a loved one is struggling with low mood or negative thinking, know that your environment—no matter how seemingly trivial—can have a real impact on your emotions. Consider limiting exposure to negative media, organizing living spaces to emphasize calm and positive cues, and reaching out for professional support if negative feelings persist. As the evidence shows, sometimes the best step toward emotional health is not just looking inward, but carefully shaping the world around you (Neuroscience News).