#Counseling

A new nationwide study reveals that pastors, traditionally seen as frontline counselors in their communities, are now providing less counseling than a decade ago, have fewer resources for referrals, and are increasingly isolated with their own struggles. The Lifeway Research survey, involving over 1,500 evangelical and Black Protestant pastors across the United States, underscores an important shift in how spiritual leaders participate in mental health care—a development with broad implications for faith communities worldwide, including Thailand.

A sweeping new review of nearly 340 studies has cast doubt on the widely held belief that similarities between long-term romantic partners are the key to relationship satisfaction and longevity. While the idea that “birds of a feather flock together” dominates Western thinking, the research finds that actual similarity in personality, interests, and background may play a much smaller role in relationship success than previously assumed. Instead, it appears the feeling of being similar to one’s partner—rather than measurable overlap—could matter most for lasting happiness together (PsyPost).

A recently published article by HuffPost highlights a growing trend in personal relationships known as “dry begging”—a subtle form of emotional manipulation that, according to relationship experts, is both alarmingly familiar and widely overlooked in daily life. By relying on indirect hints rather than clear communication, individuals may inadvertently weaponize emotion to get their needs met, potentially sowing resentment and misunderstanding in romantic, familial, and workplace settings alike (HuffPost).

The concept of dry begging is gaining attention for its nuanced role in emotional dynamics and its relevance in both Western and Asian contexts, including Thailand, where indirect communication often plays a part in maintaining social harmony. As Thai society continues to embrace more open dialogue around mental health and emotional wellbeing, understanding this phenomenon is crucial.

A recent study has turned conventional wisdom on its head by revealing that conflict-driven behaviors—not simply a lack of positive gestures—are the main link between the personality trait of neuroticism and diminished relationship satisfaction. The findings shed critical light on how personality shapes emotional intimacy, and suggest new, targeted ways for couples in Thailand and beyond to build healthier, happier relationships.

Neuroticism, characterized by emotional instability, persistent worry, and mood swings, is common among the Thai population, just as it is globally. Traditionally, experts have advised couples to focus on increasing positive behaviors—small acts of kindness, frequent expressions of affection, and supportive communication. However, this week-long study, which tracked the daily behaviors of 246 participants, found that it is the prevalence of specific negative, conflict-driven acts, such as criticism or making a partner cry, that most strongly erodes satisfaction between romantic partners. Positive acts such as giving compliments were found to be beneficial but were not substantial enough to explain or offset the connection between neuroticism and dissatisfaction (Neuroscience News).

The integration of spirituality into psychological therapy is not only gaining traction but is now supported by the most comprehensive global dataset to date, according to groundbreaking research funded by the John Templeton Foundation. A recently published article on Psychology Today, summarizing this extensive project, highlights how spiritually integrated psychotherapies are effectively bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern mental health science, with meaningful implications for practitioners and clients—including those in Thailand (Psychology Today).

A new study suggests that frequent conflicts, such as arguments and emotional outbursts, may explain why individuals who score high in neuroticism tend to feel less satisfied in their romantic relationships. The research, published in Sexual and Relationship Therapy, unveils behavioral patterns that could be especially relevant for couples in Thailand seeking to strengthen their partnerships or understand why tensions sometimes run high (PsyPost).

Neuroticism, one of the Big Five personality traits studied worldwide, refers to a tendency to experience strong negative emotions—including anxiety, sadness, irritability, and emotional instability. While deeply influenced by genetics and early life experiences, this trait is not entirely unchangeable. Thai readers may be familiar with the trait as “hua jai wawn” in popular culture, describing people who are quick to be upset or easily distressed. International studies have long linked high neuroticism to poorer relationship outcomes, but the new research adds clarity by showing that it’s not just the emotional temperament itself but the tendency to engage in conflict-fueled behaviors that erode relationship satisfaction.

A new research study unveiled by a leading psychologist highlights the five most significant threats undermining modern romantic relationships. Drawing from the latest findings published in the American Journal of Psychology, the research sheds light on why so many couples today find love and commitment increasingly challenging—and what can be done to safeguard intimacy in Thailand’s rapidly evolving society (Forbes).

As Thailand’s urban centers mirror global trends in digital connectivity, long work hours, and shifting cultural values, the study’s outcomes resonate deeply with the local context. The research offers an urgent wake-up call for couples and families alike, signaling that proactive adaptation is essential for relationship health in the face of contemporary stressors.

A recent article from the Rochester Regional Health system highlights the growing recognition among medical professionals that open, honest conversations about sexual health are often lacking—not only in Thai society but worldwide—and that specialized counseling can significantly improve individuals’ well-being and relationships. According to the American Sexual Health Association, fewer than one in four couples feel able to talk openly about their sexual lives, leaving many people unprepared to recognize or address sexual health concerns. In an era when sexual health is increasingly seen as central to overall quality of life, the latest research and clinical practice updates offer new hope for those struggling with intimate issues.

A recent wave of research and firsthand testimonies is shining a light on pornography addiction as an escalating public health challenge, with mental and social repercussions that mirror those of more widely recognized behavioral addictions. The ongoing debate among scientists and clinicians intensifies as group counseling therapists, addiction specialists, and affected individuals reveal a chilling picture: the digital age has shifted pornography from taboo to omnipresent, with significant risks for mental health, relationships, and social well-being across America—and raising serious questions for Thai society as well.