Stress can pull people together or push outsiders away. A July 2025 study summarized by Psychology Today shows that stress chemicals like cortisol and noradrenaline can lead to generosity within one’s own group while eroding trust toward those outside it.
Research in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences explains this as “parochial altruism.” Under pressure, people cooperate more with family, friends, and shared identities, yet may act against rival groups when resources are scarce. For Thai readers, this dual response resonates amid economic shifts, political change, and public health challenges.
In the study, participants were given substances that increased cortisol or noradrenaline and then played economic games simulating group conflict. Higher cortisol boosted generosity toward one’s own group. Higher noradrenaline increased the likelihood of harming outgroups, even at a personal cost. In short, stress can strengthen in-group bonds while heightening hostility to outsiders.
Thailand’s values of namjai (generosity) and sangkhom (community) make these findings especially relevant. Under stress, communities may cling to familiar networks, but fear can be amplified if media narratives or political rhetoric exploit it. Thai leaders, educators, and policymakers should prioritize inclusive messaging and actions that bridge differences rather than deepen them.
Thai history offers clear illustrations of this push-pull effect. Periods of political tension and regional disparities have shown both strong local solidarity and increased mistrust of outsiders. The resilience of Thai society often comes from rebuilding trust by emphasizing shared humanity.
What can be done? Researchers suggest practical steps to curb divisive impulses. Promote intergroup cooperation through joint projects, foster open cultural dialogue, and implement policies that reduce uncertainty for all citizens. Community programs that bring diverse groups together, alongside education in empathy, media literacy, and critical thinking, can inoculate society against polarizing narratives.
Takeaway for readers: stress is natural, but awareness of its dual impact helps us act to protect social cohesion. Simple actions—reaching out to neighbors from different backgrounds, volunteering in inclusive projects, and consulting trustworthy, diverse information sources—can counterbalance the instinct to divide.
For educators, curricula should emphasize empathy, cross-cultural communication, and critical analysis of group dynamics. Policymakers and health professionals can prioritize inclusive programs and fair resource distribution to prevent in-group bias from turning into discrimination. Community leaders can organize forums and collaborative initiatives that model cooperation across differences.
In summary, science links brain chemistry to everyday behavior under pressure. By recognizing and moderating the urge to defend “us” and exclude “them,” Thai society—and other communities—can foster resilience, inclusion, and peaceful progress.
According to research from the National Academy of Sciences, the findings reflect broader patterns discussed by science and journalism outlets about stress, group dynamics, and social cohesion.