#Culture

A recent article from Psychology Today has reignited scientific curiosity about déjà vu, that uncanny moment when a new experience feels eerily familiar—even when logic insists it shouldn’t be. This fleeting sense, known in French as “already seen,” has long puzzled neuroscientists and psychologists. Now, emerging research offers a richer understanding of déjà vu’s origins and its surprising role in human cognition, raising questions for Thai readers about how their own brains handle memory and experience PsychologyToday.com.

A recent piece in Psychology Today explores déjà vu—the uncanny sense that a new moment has happened before, even when logic says it shouldn’t. This brief sense, rooted in French as “already seen,” has long puzzled scientists. New research deepens our understanding of its origins and suggests a nuanced role in human cognition, with clear implications for memory and perception in daily life.

Most Thais will recognize déjà vu in everyday moments—strolling a busy Bangkok market or chatting in a crowded cafe—where a scene feels unexpectedly familiar. Scientists now argue it is more than a quirky glitch. Déjà vu reflects how memory processing works, illustrating both strengths and vulnerabilities in human perception.

Homesickness is a common human experience, but its impact on Thai students, workers, and travelers abroad is often overlooked. New research highlights how homesickness affects mood, sleep, appetite, and focus, and suggests practical steps for Thais navigating study, work, or relocation far from home.

Many psychologists describe homesickness as more than longing for family or familiar foods. It reflects a natural response to attachment loss and the instability of new surroundings. A senior clinical psychologist and public health expert notes that what we miss is not the exact details of home, but the sense of safety, predictability, and belonging. This resonates with Thais who leave tight-knit communities for opportunities elsewhere.

Homesickness is a nearly universal experience, yet its profound effects on the mind and body are often overlooked. As more Thais study, work, and travel abroad—or even just relocate within the country—the latest psychological research sheds new light on why homesickness matters, how it manifests physically and emotionally, and how Thai individuals can navigate this common struggle HuffPost.

Homesickness is not simply about a longing for family or food from home; psychologists explain it as a natural response to lost attachment and the instability of new surroundings. According to one clinical psychologist and public health professor at an American university, what we miss is less the specific details of home and more the comfort of the familiar, the predictable, and the safe. “We’re longing for something that in our minds is known, predictable, consistent and stable,” the professor explains. This sentiment echoes strongly with those who have moved from tight-knit Thai communities or family homes, even when seeking better opportunities elsewhere.

A new wave of psychological thinking is gaining traction worldwide, led by motivational expert Mel Robbins’ simple “Let Them” theory. The approach invites people burdened by stress, conflict, and boundary-setting challenges to stop taking things personally. Proponents say the two words can reduce anxiety and improve relationships. In Thailand, where mental health awareness is growing, the idea offers a cross-cultural lens that resonates with Buddhist-inspired acceptance and the practice of letting go.

New research is reshaping how we understand anxiety, highlighting mindfulness as a flexible toolkit rather than a one-size-fits-all remedy. Findings from a team at Washington University in St. Louis, as summarized in a leading neuroscience review, emphasize matching specific mindfulness practices to different anxiety profiles. This approach resonates with Thai readers facing pressures from fast-paced work life to economic uncertainty.

Mindfulness combines deliberately paying attention to the present moment with an accepting mindset. In Thailand, many people already practice meditation, yoga, and temple-based mindfulness from childhood and community life. Recent science helps explain how these practices work in the brain to reduce anxiety. Researchers describe enhanced cognitive control—the brain’s ability to regulate thoughts and actions toward goals even under stress. Data from Thailand’s Department of Mental Health shows rising anxiety levels tied to work, finances, and health concerns, underscoring the need for accessible self-help tools.

A growing body of research is reshaping the way both scientists and everyday individuals understand and manage anxiety, with mindfulness practices at the core of these new insights. Recent findings from a cluster of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, as reported in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, suggest mindfulness is not a “one size fits all” remedy, but rather a dynamic set of tools that can be matched to the various forms in which anxiety manifests. This revelation is of particular significance to Thai readers, many of whom have felt the mounting pressures of modern life, from economic uncertainties to an increasingly demanding work culture.

A new wave of neuroscience research likens the workings of the human brain to the mesmerizing murmurations of starlings—those vast flocks in which thousands of birds seem to move as one, creating shifting, coordinated patterns across the sky. In the same way, researchers are increasingly arguing that mental functions—such as emotions, thoughts, and actions—emerge not from isolated brain regions working alone, but from the ever-changing cooperation of vast interconnected neural networks. This “entangled brain” perspective challenges long-standing ideas about the modularity of the mind and suggests fresh approaches to understanding everything from learning and creativity to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression (aeon.co).

For many Thai parents, sitting through a steamy scene with a teenage child feels awkward. A recent Times article has sparked debate by suggesting that intentional, guided exposure to sexual themes can spark open conversations. But what does current research say about sharing sexual content as a family, and what might this mean for Thai families guiding youth through modern media?

Thai society has long favored discreet discussions about sex, with formal education focusing on biology and risk avoidance. Yet streaming TV, web series, and smartphones expose teenagers to sexual narratives earlier and more often. A UK study of over 2,000 adolescents found that about one in three reported sexual intercourse by age 16, and passive exposure to sexual content has been linked to shifts in attitudes and earlier initiation. In Thailand, university research shows parents remain important guides, but many youths feel embarrassed to discuss sex at home.

For many Thai parents, the idea of watching a steamy scene in a film alongside their teenage child seems awkward, if not unthinkable. A recent article in The Times has sparked debate by challenging this discomfort, presenting accounts of parents intentionally exposing adolescents to stories with sexual themes as a springboard for open conversations. But what does the latest international research say about sharing sexual content as a family – and what are the implications for Thai families seeking to guide youth through modern media?

Misdiagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as general anxiety is more common than many expect, and it carries heavy consequences for treatment and quality of life. Recent international findings and lived experiences point to a global pattern that also affects Thailand’s mental health landscape.

A recent public account from the UK illustrates how a patient’s intrusive thoughts were mistaken for everyday anxiety for years. After seeking specialised help and receiving an OCD-focused evaluation, she described the diagnosis as life-changing. This case underscores a pattern seen worldwide: many OCD sufferers are left without accurate treatment for far too long.

A new study shows the brain can learn fear not only from direct experiences but also by making inferences. This challenges how we understand emotional learning and could influence future treatments for anxiety and trauma disorders. Published in Nature on May 14, the research from the RIKEN Center for Brain Science in Japan demonstrates how higher-order emotional learning occurs in the brain, offering insights for neuroscience and mental health care worldwide.

What really makes men happy in the 21st century? A viral article from Upworthy has captured global attention by distilling the twelve simplest, most relatable factors that contribute to men’s happiness, sparking discussion not only online but also among psychologists, relationship counselors, and everyday readers searching for joyful living. Behind the list, experts indicate, are timeless psychological concepts and cultural undercurrents that resonate strongly in Thailand and worldwide, highlighting both modern pressures and enduring truths about wellbeing.

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that the brain is capable of learning fear not just through direct experiences, but also by making inferences—a discovery that could shift our understanding of how humans develop complex emotional responses and may help unravel the roots of anxiety and trauma disorders. The research, published in the prestigious journal Nature on May 14 by a team at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science in Japan, demonstrates for the first time how higher-order emotional learning occurs in the brain, with profound implications for both neuroscience and mental health treatment worldwide (Neuroscience News).

A widely shared Upworthy piece identifies twelve simple habits that many men report as central to happiness. The list reflects enduring psychological truths about connection, appreciation, and personal meaning. For Thai readers, these ideas resonate with local values around family, community, and mindful living.

In Thailand’s fast-changing social landscape, men face new pressures—from urban workloads to shifting family roles. Mental health awareness is rising, yet candid conversations can still be challenging. The article’s core message—that happiness grows from everyday moments, trusted relationships, and personal choices—offers practical guidance that complements Thailand’s cultural emphasis on harmony, respect, and jai yen (cool heart).

A growing body of research and lived experience shows that uninformed or dismissive responses when someone discloses they are autistic can harm relationships and well-being. Sensitivity and proactive understanding are increasingly important as autism diagnoses rise worldwide, including in Thailand. A recent piece in Psychology Today highlights practical steps that neurotypical people can take to support autistic individuals, emphasizing that everyday interactions matter more than generic reassurance.

In Thailand, as in many places, autism remains surrounded by misconceptions shaped by outdated stereotypes and media depictions. When someone shares their autism, a common reaction such as “We’re all on the spectrum somewhere” can inadvertently invalidate their lived experience. Experts warn that such comments often close the conversation and leave autistic individuals feeling unseen at a moment when connection and support are most needed.

A growing body of research and personal testimony is highlighting the profound impact that uninformed reactions can have when someone discloses their autism, calling for greater sensitivity and awareness, especially as autism diagnoses rise globally and in Thailand. A recent article in Psychology Today titled “Three Things Neurotypicals Should Know About Autism,” published on May 14, 2025, distills key insights from autistic communities that reveal why common but misguided responses can deeply harm relationships and well-being for those on the spectrum (Psychology Today).

A wave of parents championing a more relaxed approach to motherhood — known as “Type B” moms — is taking over social media, sparking fresh debate on what it means to be a good parent in the digital age. The trend, documented in a recent feature by TODAY.com (today.com), has resonated across continents, including among Thai families increasingly exposed to both traditional ideals and modern parenting advice.

The emergence of “Type B” moms reflects a cultural shift in attitudes towards motherhood. For years, many parents — especially mothers — have felt pressure to portray a picture-perfect household: immaculate living rooms, rigorously structured routines, and children whose schedules rival corporate meetings. These images, amplified by social media, have shaped expectations for Thai mothers as well, where harmony and order are highly valued in both family and societal contexts.

Regular physical activity is proving to be a powerful, accessible tool for mental health across Thailand and the world. New research from Thai universities, alongside global studies, shows movement can reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. The latest findings highlight that integrating simple exercise into daily routines is crucial for safeguarding psychological well-being, especially in demanding environments like universities and healthcare education.

Rising anxiety, burnout, and depressive symptoms have prompted public health experts to champion exercise as both preventive and therapeutic. In contemporary Thailand, stressors such as pandemic-related restrictions, economic pressures, and heavy academic workloads are affecting people of all ages. Evidence now positions physical activity as a fundamental pillar of resilience, relevant to students, professionals, and older adults in both urban and rural communities.

A surge of international and Thai research confirms that regular physical activity delivers powerful mental health benefits, reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Recent studies, highlighted in the article “The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise: How Movement Reduces Stress,” and new research from Thai academic institutions, show that integrating movement into daily routines is an essential—and accessible—strategy for safeguarding psychological well-being, especially in high-pressure environments such as universities and healthcare education.

A groundbreaking perspective from current neuroscience is reshaping how people worldwide—including Thais navigating a busy, goal-filled society—understand daily decision-making. Recent research distilled in “What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice and Change” by Professor Emily Falk, a noted communication neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania, offers insight into why so many of us feel overwhelmed by conflicting goals and how we can recalibrate our brains to make choices more aligned with our evolving values and identities (nextbigideaclub.com).

A growing number of parents advocate a looser approach to motherhood, known as the “Type B” mom philosophy. The trend has gained traction on social media and in global coverage, inviting fresh discussion about modern parenting for Thai families balancing work, tradition, and online influence.

The Type B movement signals a shift away from the perfection ideal that once dominated parenting culture. In many households, immaculate spaces, rigid schedules, and calendars packed with activities have become the norm, a reflection of high expectations amplified by online communities. In Thailand, where harmony and order are highly valued, the trend resonates with parents who juggle work responsibilities, extended families, and child-rearing duties.

A wave of recent research is reviving the idea that flow—the immersive state where time seems to fade and self-consciousness recedes—could be a key to genuine happiness. Since Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi popularized it in the 1970s, flow has influenced classrooms and businesses worldwide, including in Thailand. But what exactly is flow, how can Thais cultivate it amid busy lives, and what does science say about its benefits?

This topic matters in Thailand as the country debates mental health, productivity, and student well-being. Thai culture already emphasizes mindfulness and presence, rooted in Buddhist-inspired concentration practices. With rising stress and burnout reported by the Ministry of Public Health and mental health hotlines, the prospect that flow might offer relief and happiness is compelling.

A growing body of research challenges the belief that nonstop achievement leads to lasting happiness. In a compelling analysis, experts argue that the emotional lift from traditional success markers—more money, higher status, visible recognition—tends to fade. Instead, sustainable well-being comes from personal purpose, ongoing learning, and strong relationships. This shift is framed with references to work by respected researchers and long-running studies, all pointing to a steadier path to contentment.