A newly published international study has confirmed what many Thais may intuitively sense—feeling good can actually help us remember more, even when the subject matter itself is boring or meaningless. In ground-breaking research led by scientists from Hangzhou Normal University and Nanjing Normal University, the team demonstrated that positive emotions during learning measurably enhance our ability to recall information, offering potential life-changing applications for students, teachers, and anyone aiming to boost brain power (Neuroscience News; MedicalXpress; News-Medical).
The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience in July 2025, monitored the brain activity of 44 participants who were shown a series of neutral, meaningless squiggles. Each squiggle was paired repeatedly with images crafted to evoke positive, negative, or neutral emotional responses. By tracking the participants’ responses across the learning experience and testing their memory for the squiggle images a day later, the researchers discovered something remarkable: only the squiggles associated with positive emotions were reliably remembered the next day. Those paired with neutral or negative feelings were largely forgotten.
For Thai readers, this could hold significant academic and practical promise, as success in Thai schools and universities often relies on memorizing large quantities of information—sometimes material that may not be inherently engaging. The research suggests that introducing positive emotions during study sessions, even when memorizing the driest facts, can create deeper, more lasting memory traces in the brain. In the words of the research leadership, “Positive emotions during learning promote brain activity associated with better memory performance,” highlighting not only a psychological advantage, but also clear, observable neurological changes (MedicalXpress).
But why should this finding matter here and now in Thailand? Historically, rote learning and exam performance have long dominated the country’s education landscape. Teachers, parents, and students are constantly seeking strategies to gain a competitive edge. According to a leader in cognitive neuroscience at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Psychology, “Thai students often experience high pressure and low enjoyment during exam preparation. This research provides scientific evidence for what educators and monks in our temple schools have said for generations—the emotional state profoundly shapes our ability to learn and remember.”
A similar view was echoed by a researcher at the Ministry of Education’s Educational Innovation Division: “We can now make the case for joyful learning with solid neuroscience behind us. Programs that blend fun activities with learning may not just keep students happy—they could actually make them smarter.”
The experiment itself used state-of-the-art brain scanning equipment to track neural patterns as participants viewed the squiggle–image pairs. When positive emotions were provoked—such as viewing images that sparked happiness or amusement—distinct patterns of brain activity emerged. These unique signals acted as predictors: participants showing this pattern during learning were far more likely to recall the squiggles later. Negative emotions, like sadness or fear, as well as neutral states, simply did not activate the same memory-boosting effects (Neuroscience News).
What does the science say about the mechanism? According to the study, the positive emotions triggered memory “reinstatement,” a phenomenon where brain activity during learning is reproduced during successful recall. This memory trace, formed under positive affect, reinforces the pathway and allows for more robust retrieval later. In simpler terms: if you learn something while happy, your brain forges a stronger memory that’s easier to access again.
Interestingly, the study adds a new dimension to previous findings in Western and Asian research, which have often focused on the impact of high-stress or negative emotions—such as anxiety before exams—on memory impairment. The new evidence underscores that not only can negative feelings hurt memory, but explicitly fostering positive emotions during learning yields opposite, beneficial effects (News-Medical).
For students in Thailand, from bustling Bangkok classrooms to rural village schools in Isan, these insights offer hope for a shift in educational culture. “Our traditions already encourage a positive mood in learning, for example through morning songs or games at school,” said a veteran of the Basic Education Commission. “Now we have neuroscience to back this up: It’s not just about making kids happy—it’s about helping them remember what they learn.”
To put the research in historical and cultural context, the Thai system has long placed emphasis on memorization for Buddhist chanting, legal codes, and even the recitation of traditional poetry. Memory “tricks” have also been part of Thai culture, whether in village fortune-telling or urban talent competitions. The new findings align with Buddhist meditative practices, where cultivating positive states of mind is seen as essential for clarity and insight.
Looking to the future, these results could inspire changes in the Thai education sector. Teachers could incorporate more joyful learning experiences, such as group games, humor, art, and music, during lessons—even when the material is inherently dull. For health and wellness practitioners, programs that use positive emotion to improve memory could be developed for older adults, patients with dementia, or people recovering from stroke, based on methods such as reminiscence therapy (The HARMONEE project).
Experts also warn not to oversimplify: while the study shows a clear benefit for positive emotion, it does not mean negative feelings have no value or that all education should become entertainment. A leader in learning sciences from a Bangkok university notes, “Balance is key. There are lessons in perseverance and resilience too—but when the goal is memory, joy can be a powerful tool.”
For Thai parents and caregivers, the implications reach beyond the classroom: bedtime stories that delight, laughter-filled conversations, and encouraging environments are likely to help children remember more of what they learn at home.
In practical terms, Thai readers can take advantage of this research by:
- Studying in environments or groups that spark positive moods, such as cafes, parks, or with friends.
- Mixing dry material with favorite activities or music to make learning sessions more enjoyable.
- Teachers and employers introducing humor, light-hearted activities, or games at the start of lessons or meetings.
- Families making learning playful instead of stressful—competitive quizzes, laughter, and praise all count.
The study’s robust methodology and international collaboration give it weight among neuroscientific research, but follow-up studies are still needed. Will positive emotions help remember complex math formulas or only meaningless squiggles? Do cultural factors in Thailand modify the effects? And can interventions be scaled for large classrooms or online learning? These are questions for the next generation of Thai scientists and educators to explore.
For now, one thing is clear: fostering a joyful spirit in learning isn’t just about feeling good—it really does help us remember. The next time you reach for flashcards or prepare for an exam, consider pairing your efforts with a smile or a favorite activity. Science—and centuries of Thai wisdom—suggest that memory works best when happiness leads the way.
For further reading and evidence, see: