#Education

A growing body of psychological research reveals that quiet, everyday behaviors in adulthood often hint at experiences of financial instability during childhood, according to a recent analysis published by YourTango citing studies from the Journal of Family and Economic Issues and additional expert commentary. The article, released on 24 May 2025, underscores how formative years marked by poverty or economic uncertainty leave lasting imprints—not just in spending habits but across one’s relationships, mental health, and view of stability.

A wave of recent science is challenging the idea that home cooking is always healthier than processed foods. New analyses suggest health benefits from cooking at home may depend more on ingredients, portions, and overall diet than on the mere act of cooking. This shift in thinking matters for Thai families balancing tradition with convenient options in a fast-changing food environment.

For years, Thai households have prized home-cooked meals as a cornerstone of health and family tradition. Yet emerging evidence indicates the line between homemade and processed foods in terms of health impact is more nuanced than once believed. The takeaway is not “avoid processed foods” but “choose ingredients and portions wisely.”

A sweeping new meta-analysis has revealed that individuals with mental or neurodevelopmental disorders are about 1.5 times more likely to exhibit non-right-handedness — meaning left-handedness or mixed-handedness — than the general population, sharpening the focus on how biological factors may intersect with mental health. Published in the prestigious journal Psychological Bulletin, the study synthesizes an unprecedented dataset drawn from over 202,000 people and provides fresh insights into the subtle ways brain development may be linked to mental health risk (psypost.org).

A growing body of research shows there is no one-size-fits-all approach to meal timing. For Thai readers, the key takeaway is that how often you eat should align with your activity level and goals. A recent overview by Outside Online highlights that small, frequent meals versus three larger ones depend on the type, intensity, and duration of exercise.

Nutrition experts say food fuels performance by supplying energy, aiding recovery, and supporting essential body functions during and after training. The three macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—work together, but their timing and frequency influence how the body absorbs and uses them.

Thailand is poised to tighten its cannabis regulations with a plan that could require both Thai citizens and visitors to hold a doctor’s certificate to buy cannabis. The proposal, shared at a Bangkok press briefing by the Public Health Minister, signals a significant shift from Thailand’s 2022 decriminalisation. The move comes just three years after the landmark decision that put the country at the forefront of Asia’s cannabis reforms.

Data from government health authorities shows the cannabis market expanded rapidly after decriminalisation, with shops opening across major cities and tourist hubs. While the policy initially spurred agricultural growth and tourism, gaps in regulations sparked concerns about addiction, underage use, and Thailand’s international image as a “weed tourism” destination. Officials emphasise that the new rule aims to curb recreational use and ensure medical access remains the priority.

A compelling new psychology study suggests that the sensation of time “flying by” is more closely tied to periods of personal growth and satisfaction, rather than mundane routines or forgettable days. Published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, the research fundamentally challenges the long-held belief that monotony compresses our memory of time, instead highlighting fulfillment and nostalgia as key drivers of our perceptions of how quickly life passes—even as we age (PsyPost).

A new psychology study suggests that the feeling of time “flying by” is driven more by personal growth and satisfaction than by dull routines. Published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, the research challenges the idea that monotony makes memories feel shorter. Instead, fulfillment and nostalgia appear to shorten our sense of elapsed time.

For many people, including Thais, life often feels like years, semesters, or summers pass too quickly. In Thai culture, the expression “เวลาเหมือนสายน้ำ” (time is like a river) captures this shared sentiment, echoed during festivals such as Songkran and Loy Krathong. The study sheds light on why these moments seem to hurry by and what underlies that perception.

A growing body of research shows that subtle, daily behaviors in adulthood can reveal experiences of financial instability during childhood. In a May 2025 analysis, YourTango summarized studies from the Journal of Family and Economic Issues and expert commentary to illustrate how poverty or economic uncertainty in formative years leaves lasting imprints on spending, relationships, and mental health.

For Thailand, where intergenerational wealth gaps and shifting economic conditions affect family life, these insights are especially relevant. As concerns about youth poverty and social mobility persist, understanding the psychological impact of financial instability helps educators, health professionals, and policymakers address the issue more effectively. Data and expert perspectives are drawn from broad research on financial behavior and trauma.

Thailand finds itself at a crossroads of rapid social change: modern families are now grappling with questions of how best to raise children, as Western influences blend with longstanding Thai cultural traditions. A recent opinion published in The Guardian, penned by a grandparent observing the stark contrasts between parenting in Spain and the UK, has ignited fresh debate about “child-centred” parenting, a model increasingly popular across Thailand’s middle class. The writer argues that the Spanish “family-centred” approach nurtures happier, more grounded children compared to English-style “child-centredness,” which may inadvertently fuel anxiety and dependency. This raises urgent questions for Thai families—should we reconsider where the family, rather than the child, stands at the heart of our values?

A quick look at how someone uses their phone can reveal more about personality than we might assume. New research shows a strong link between compulsive social media use and narcissistic traits. The study, conducted at the University of Gdańsk and published in the Journal of Research in Personality, suggests that excessive online activity goes beyond vanity and affects mental health and social wellbeing. For Thai readers, these findings come at a crucial time as social platforms are deeply woven into daily life and work.

A simple glance at someone’s phone habits may reveal more about their personality than previously thought. Recent psychological research has spotlighted compulsive social media use as a tell-tale sign of narcissistic tendencies, with experts warning of consequences that extend beyond the screen and into mental health and social wellbeing. The findings, anchored by a new study from the University of Gdańsk and published in the Journal of Research in Personality, provide timely insights—especially for countries like Thailand, where social platforms are woven deeply into daily life (Daily Mail).

A global shift away from punitive methods is reshaping how families raise children, and Thailand is part of the conversation. Recent coverage points to gentle parenting as a approach focused on emotional regulation, empathetic boundary-setting, and raising resilient, well-adjusted kids. This perspective aligns with growing interest among Thai parents who want more love, honest dialogue, and discipline that centers on listening and understanding.

Across the world, nearly half of parents say they aim to raise their children differently than their own upbringing. In Thailand, urban households are increasingly exposed to international child development research, sparking conversations about how best to balance warmth with boundaries in everyday life.

In a significant shift away from the punitive discipline methods familiar to older generations, the concept of “gentle parenting” is rapidly gaining popularity among parents worldwide—including many in Thailand. According to recent research highlighted by CNN, this approach champions emotional regulation, empathetic boundary-setting, and a move toward raising well-adjusted, resilient adults, offering fresh insights into what truly benefits children and families in a changing society (CNN).

The trend has significant implications at a time when nearly half of parents, per a 2023 Pew Research Center report, say they are intentionally trying to raise their children differently than how they were brought up. The shift is rooted in a desire to provide more love and affection, conduct honest conversations, and adopt discipline methods that prioritize listening and emotional understanding over yelling and corporal punishment. This approach resonates in Thai households as conversations about parenting styles become more public and nuanced, especially in urban centers where exposure to international child development research is increasing.

The safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines have returned to the spotlight following new regulatory actions and heightened public debate, but the scientific community continues to reaffirm their vital role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent scrutiny, triggered by policy changes from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is prompting fresh discussion amid persistent misinformation and growing public concerns—even as evidence underscores overwhelming benefits for both individuals and public health at large (ABC News).

New research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has found that people are more likely to trust individuals who grew up in lower-income households, as compared to those who had privileged backgrounds. This finding, based on a series of experiments with nearly 2,000 participants, sheds light on the deep-rooted perceptions linking childhood hardship with morality and trustworthiness—a topic that resonates on both a global and a Thai societal level (Neuroscience News).

A surge of global discussion around mRNA vaccines has put their safety and effectiveness back in the spotlight. While regulatory moves spark public debate, the broader scientific consensus remains clear: mRNA vaccines play a vital role in reducing severe illness and death from COVID-19. In Thailand, the ongoing conversation informs local vaccination strategies, booster plans, and how to balance risks and benefits amid evolving variants.

In the United States, the FDA has narrowed upcoming COVID-19 shots produced with mRNA technology to people aged 65 and older or those with high-risk health conditions. The agency notes new clinical trial requirements before broader use. At the same time, manufacturers Moderna and Pfizer have been asked to update warning labels to address rare heart-related risks observed in some recipients, particularly after a second dose in younger males. These actions have intensified public scrutiny, underscoring the need for clear, evidence-based information.

Thailand stands at a pivotal moment as families navigate rapid social change. Western ideas about child-rearing have blended with enduring Thai traditions, prompting fresh questions about how to raise resilient children. A recent Guardian letter by a grandparent comparing Spain’s family-centred approach with the UK’s child-centred model has sparked renewed debate in Thai households about where the family’s priorities should lie.

The core message is simple: while kindness and respect toward children are essential, placing a child at the center of every decision can lead to anxiety and dependence. In Spain, the family unit takes precedence. From birth, children are expected to contribute to group harmony rather than assume they are the sole focus of attention. The author’s observations suggest Spanish children are generally more emotionally secure, with parents who feel less frustration. For Thai families, this raises a timely question: can we balance individual needs with the strength of a closely connected family?

New research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology explores how childhood poverty influences trust. Across nearly 2,000 participants, people tended to trust those who grew up in lower-income households more than those from privileged backgrounds. The study links early hardship with perceived morality and reliability, a topic that resonates in both global and Thai contexts.

In Thailand, trust underpins friendships and workplace culture alike. The findings matter because they show how someone’s past, especially childhood conditions, can shape decisions about who to partner with or hire. In a society where family origins and social status influence reputations, understanding these trust dynamics can help foster fairer, more sincere interactions at work and in communities.

A leading psychologist who studies children and digital screens has stepped forward with a deeply personal revelation: despite his expertise, his greatest regret as a parent was not doing more to limit his own children’s screen time. This admission, based on the latest research and expert reflection, is sparking vital discussions among Thai families and educators concerned about the growing influence of smartphones and digital devices on the next generation. The issue resonates across borders, but carries unique urgency in Thailand, where digital adoption among youth is surging and parents struggle to navigate the rapidly changing landscape Inc.com, MSN.

A groundbreaking study has revealed that today’s most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems possess emotional intelligence (EI) scores significantly higher than those of humans—a result with far-reaching implications for Thailand’s schools, workplaces, and counseling sectors. Research led by teams from the University of Geneva and the University of Bern found that six leading AI models, including ChatGPT and Gemini, consistently picked the most emotionally intelligent responses in standard EI assessments, achieving an average score of 82%. By contrast, human participants scored on average just 56%, highlighting a surprising edge for AI in handling emotionally charged scenarios (Neuroscience News).

A new study finds that today’s leading AI systems score higher on emotional intelligence (EI) tests than humans. Researchers from the University of Geneva and the University of Bern evaluated six top AI models, including ChatGPT and Gemini, and found AI averaged an EI score of 82% compared with humans at 56%. The results suggest AI can reliably recognize emotions and choose emotionally appropriate actions in simulated scenarios.

For Thai readers, where harmony and subtlety shape daily interactions, the idea of AI supporting education, coaching, and conflict resolution is both promising and challenging. In Thailand, cultural expectations such as kreng jai—prioritizing others’ feelings and avoiding direct confrontation—already influence classroom guidance and workplace discussions. The study, published in Communications Psychology, brings AI into the conversation about how best to nurture emotional skills in a Thai context.

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that nostalgic memories, once cherished for their sweet emotional comfort, become increasingly bittersweet as time passes. This research, published in the journal Cognition & Emotion, challenges commonly held beliefs about nostalgia and sheds light on how our feelings about the past evolve – a finding with deep resonance for Thai society, where memories of childhood, university, and cultural festivals are often deeply revered (PsyPost).

A new wave of parenting advice and research is shifting the conversation on child discipline away from the old routines of yelling, power struggles, and punitive punishments. Recent insights—such as those summarized in a widely shared Times of India feature on “10 ways to discipline kids without drama”—echo a growing international and Thai trend toward positive discipline, advocating calm, constructive, and emotionally supportive methods. This shift is not merely a lifestyle fad, but increasingly grounded in research and real-world outcomes that appeal to parents, educators, and policymakers seeking to foster emotionally resilient, responsible children.

A growing wave of research and practical guidance is reshaping how parents approach child discipline. Calm, constructive, and emotionally supportive methods are replacing loud arguing, power struggles, and punitive punishments. International coverage and Thai public guidance alike highlight positive discipline as a reliable path to emotionally resilient and well-behaved children.

For Thai families, changing family structures, rising stress levels, and evolving views on parent-child relationships heighten the demand for nonshaming approaches that still foster good behavior. Across the globe, studies show that positive discipline—built on empathy, natural consequences, and clear communication—strengthens family bonds and supports long-term development. Thailand’s education and health authorities have begun integrating similar strategies into official guidance and early childhood curricula, making these practices highly relevant for both urban and rural households.