#EmotionalHealth

A new dating trend dubbed “cookie jarring” is drawing strong reactions from both relationship experts and young people experiencing the practice firsthand, with many labeling it “disgusting” and “gross.” This phenomenon, which involves dating multiple people at once while keeping some as backup options, is reportedly on the rise among younger generations navigating the complexities of modern romance.

In recent years, the dynamics of dating have shifted as digital technology and social media make it easier than ever to connect with potential partners. “Cookie jarring” describes a scenario where an individual, uncertain about their primary relationship, keeps a secondary person metaphorically “in the cookie jar”—available as an emotional or romantic backup should their main interest fail to pan out. According to leading relationship experts cited in a New York Post report, this trend is creating emotional turmoil and confusion for those left in the backup role, eroding trust and self-esteem for those caught in its snare.

In a recent analysis published by Forbes, a psychologist has shed new light on the two dramatic extremes in the spectrum of romantic relationships—intensely obsessive love, known as love mania, and a debilitating fear of love itself, described as philophobia. These findings are shaping contemporary understanding of how individuals relate to intimacy, with wide-ranging implications for mental health professionals and everyday people alike (Forbes.com).

For Thai readers, where cultural ideals often emphasise harmonious relationships and filial piety, this research is a timely reminder that the psychological underpinnings of love can be as complex as they are universal. In a society that values family cohesion and long-term commitment, understanding the extremes of emotional attachment—and detachment—may offer important insights for navigating everything from romantic partnerships to friendship and kinship.

A mere three minutes of slow, controlled breathing can significantly enhance a person’s ability to manage their emotional reactions, according to groundbreaking research published in Psychological Reports. The study, detailed in a recent report by PsyPost, demonstrates that this brief breathing exercise not only soothes negative feelings in the moment but also makes it easier for individuals to consciously regulate their emotional responses—offering potential benefits for mental health and daily stress management PsyPost.

New research published in eNeuro reveals how the human brain tracks and navigates rapid emotional transitions, using music to illuminate the shifting neural landscapes behind our changing moods. This discovery, which highlights the powerful influence of previous emotional states on subsequent emotional experiences, holds promise for informing future therapies for mood disorders such as depression—conditions characterized by difficulty in shifting out of negative emotional states.

In a world where music soundtracks everything from daily commutes to spiritual rituals, the news that our brains process emotional music based on recent experiences is both intuitively familiar and scientifically groundbreaking. Thai readers, whose relationship with music spans mor lam and luk thung to Western pop, may find these findings particularly resonant, linking the local appreciation of musical storytelling with new understandings of mental health.

For many Thai parents, the hope for a close-knit family does not end when children become adults and move out. The desire to be visited—not just remembered or dutifully acknowledged—remains strong, especially as the years pass. A recent article published by VegOut Magazine unpacks eight key habits that parents should rethink if they want to foster visits driven by love rather than obligation as they age (VegOut Magazine, 2025). These insights offer a timely reminder as Thailand faces shifting familial dynamics under urbanisation and generational change.

Many Thais worry about spending too much time glued to their smartphones, but a new perspective is gaining ground: perhaps constant phone use isn’t really about addiction, but a signal of deeper unmet emotional needs. Recent analysis and expert commentary, featured in VegOut Magazine on June 20, 2025, argue that it’s time to reframe our view of digital compulsion—not as a moral failing or clinical addiction, but as a reflection of seven core human needs going unfulfilled in daily life (VegOutMag.com).

A new wave of psychological research is challenging stigmas surrounding borderline personality disorder (BPD), painting a far more nuanced portrait of this often-misunderstood condition. Recent work—summarized in a compelling piece by Psychology Today—suggests that the core traits of BPD, such as emotional volatility and intense interpersonal sensitivity, may have once offered real evolutionary advantages, helping our ancestors survive and thrive in unpredictable environments. While these same tendencies now bring suffering to those with BPD and their families, experts say that understanding their ancient roots could foster greater compassion, improve therapeutic outcomes, and reshape public perceptions in Thailand and beyond (Psychology Today).

An emerging “touch starvation” epidemic is drawing alarm among child development experts, warning that young boys in particular are suffering emotional and social consequences due to a lack of physical affection from parents and caregivers. Research and psychological insights now highlight how this deprivation isn’t just a fleeting discomfort—it can leave a lifelong mark on mental health, suggesting urgent shifts in parenting culture, especially as traditional norms face rapid change in Thailand and worldwide (New York Post).

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).

A growing body of research is shining a spotlight on an often overlooked crisis in marriage: emotional disengagement by wives, in a phenomenon some psychologists and therapists label as “Walkaway Wife Syndrome”—a term that has gained traction in the global discourse, including among Thai mental health professionals. The concept, detailed in a recent YourTango article and supported by psychological literature, emphasises the subtle—and often invisible—signs that a wife may have emotionally exited the relationship long before any physical separation occurs. This development is of profound importance in Thailand, where cultural expectations of marital harmony sometimes obscure underlying issues, leaving families and communities unprepared for abrupt dissolutions.

In an era where relationship advice travels fast and trends change quickly, one traditional piece of wisdom—“Don’t go to bed angry”—continues to spark debate among couples of all ages. While some dismiss it as outdated or unrealistic, new research from Oregon State University firmly suggests the advice still carries legitimate benefit. For Thai readers navigating the complexities of modern partnerships, understanding why this simple principle resonates—backed by robust science—can have profound implications for health and happiness.

When faced with manipulative tactics at work or in personal relationships, many Thais have long relied on subtlety and restraint, wary of direct confrontation. Yet the art of the calm, clever comeback is gaining traction worldwide, with new research and expert opinion now supporting what popular guides like the Times of India’s “10 clever comebacks to expose and outsmart a manipulator” recommend: standing your ground with measured, witty responses can be among the most effective defenses against psychological manipulation (timesofindia.indiatimes.com).

Scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough in unraveling the brain’s mechanics behind emotional connections, an advance that holds promise for understanding—and perhaps treating—conditions such as anxiety and trauma-related disorders. In a recent study published in Nature, researchers from the RIKEN Center for Brain Science in Tokyo have identified specific brain processes enabling the formation of complex emotional associations, challenging long-standing assumptions about how human and animal brains process emotionally charged experiences (Ars Technica).

Neuroscience is uncovering surprising powers of music, with new research showing that music can actively reshape memory and infuse it with new emotions—potentially opening novel doors in therapeutic, educational, and cultural settings. A recent neuroimaging study published in the journal Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience reveals that listening to music while recalling memories does more than simply bring back old feelings—it can actually rewrite neutral memories with the emotional color of the background music.

The notion that fathers “babysit” when caring for their own children has come under renewed scrutiny, as new research highlights the detrimental effects of gendered parenting roles on both caregivers and their children. A recent article by Dr. Kate Balestrieri stresses that calling a father’s involvement “babysitting” is not merely an innocent slip of the tongue, but a reflection of deep-seated inequities in emotional and domestic responsibilities within households. This issue resonates widely, with significant implications for Thai society as evolving gender norms intersect with longstanding cultural expectations.

Recent research underscores how seemingly ordinary parenting behaviors can deeply impact children’s trust, highlighting seven actions that children often interpret as betrayal. The findings shed light on the sensitive nature of child-parent relationships and encourage a reassessment of everyday parental conduct, reinforcing the need for mindful communication and consistency in family life. These revelations are significant for Thai parents, educators, and mental health professionals who strive to nurture emotionally resilient and well-adjusted youth.

A recent story published in Slate’s parenting advice column has sparked fresh debate and research interest into the psychological underpinnings of childhood fears—especially those triggered by well-meaning siblings. The case involved an almost-3-year-old who suddenly became terrified of going in her own backyard after her older brother invented a lake monster to keep her away from a potentially dangerous dock. Despite attempts to reassure her that the monster was not real, the fear caused lasting distress, including a newfound fear of the dark and the need for parental comfort at bedtime (Slate).

A growing body of research and recent commentary suggest that society’s heightened focus on mental health could paradoxically be undermining our collective sense of well-being. This provocative notion—explored in a recent article by The Telegraph—raises questions about whether our cultural “fixation” with monitoring, diagnosing, and discussing mental health might be fueling anxiety, undermining resilience, and, ironically, making us more miserable. The debate is especially relevant in Thailand, where stigma around mental health is gradually lifting, but imported Western mental health models are being embraced with mixed results.

Kylie Kelce, wife of NFL star Jason Kelce, has captured the hearts and attention of fans and parenting communities in Thailand and beyond after sharing a deeply personal story about her decision to grow her family. In a candid interview with People magazine, Kylie described the emotional moment she realized she wanted to have another baby, reminding many readers of the complex mix of emotion, practicality, and love that goes into making family planning decisions. While her story is deeply personal, it highlights broader trends and research into what motivates people—particularly women—to consider having more children, a topic that carries significant cultural resonance in Thailand as birth rates continue to decline [source: People Magazine].

In recent months, the term “Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria” (RSD) has gained renewed attention in both scientific literature and popular media, as mental health experts and affected individuals speak out about this intense emotional condition that can turn minor criticisms into catastrophic emotional reactions. The New York Times recently profiled RSD, describing the condition as a state where even slight rejection, teasing, or criticism triggers a rapid plunge into feelings of profound sadness, rage, or worthlessness, making sufferers feel as if “the world is collapsing” around them source.

A wave of online discussion and emerging expert commentary has thrown the spotlight on a little-known but deeply felt emotional response that many people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are now recognizing as a shared experience: rejection sensitive dysphoria (R.S.D.). Although not officially classified in psychiatric manuals, R.S.D. is described as an intense or overwhelming reaction to actual or perceived criticism, rejection, or failure—a feeling likened to a “balloon popping” by TikTok creators and capturing the imagination of millions on social media platforms source.

University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) researchers have made significant strides in understanding how stress impacts driver behavior, suggesting that managing stress is just as crucial for safe driving as avoiding drowsy or intoxicated driving. Equipped with sensors that measure heart rate and changes in skin conductivity, UMD’s study presents compelling evidence that stress and emotional upheaval can severely compromise driver decision-making. This research is highly relevant not only to American commuters but also resonates with Thai drivers navigating Bangkok’s notoriously busy and sometimes chaotic traffic.