#BehavioralPsychology

Revolutionary laboratory experiments with common marmosets—small South American primates sharing significant genetic similarities with humans—have revealed shocking insights into the fundamental psychological mechanisms driving compulsive smartphone usage that could transform how Thai families, educators, and policymakers approach digital wellness throughout the kingdom. These groundbreaking studies demonstrate that screen attraction stems not primarily from meaningful content or social connections as previously assumed, but from simple, repeatable sensory changes that trigger basic reinforcement pathways in primate brains, suggesting that the compulsive checking behaviors plaguing millions of Thai smartphone users result from evolutionary responses to engineered digital stimuli rather than personal weakness or lack of self-control.

Recent research has begun to challenge long-held assumptions about self-control and willpower, offering new hope to those struggling to stay disciplined in an age of constant distraction, stress, and instant gratification. While society often looks up to highly self-controlled individuals—the avid gym-goers, the impeccably organized home-makers, the unfailingly calm professionals—scientists are discovering that the real keys to self-control may be less about innate “grit” and more about learnable skills and environment management, according to a new report from The New York Times (nytimes.com).

A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology finds that aligning exercise routines with personality traits may hold the key to making workouts more enjoyable—and sticking with them. The research, led by a team from University College London, throws light on why some people dread their workouts while others find them invigorating, and suggests that recognizing one’s personality type can help overcome barriers to physical activity.

This research is significant for Thai readers as the country, like much of the world, faces growing concerns over sedentary lifestyles and related health risks. With nearly one third of the global adult population failing to achieve the World Health Organization’s recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week, understanding new motivational strategies is crucial for Thailand’s ongoing efforts to combat non-communicable diseases and promote holistic well-being (WHO physical activity statistics).

Chronic stress has become an increasingly prominent concern in both global and Thai society, exacerbated by rapid digitalization, economic pressures, and disruptions to daily life. A new wave of research led by experts in behavioral psychology highlights practical, evidence-based techniques for managing persistent stress. According to a recent article from The Conversation, the discussion on “cortisol face”, which refers to the physical impact of sustained stress—such as puffiness and fatigue—underlines how crucial it is to address mental strain for long-term health beyond mere appearances (The Conversation).