#Emotionalwellbeing

As artificial intelligence rapidly becomes entwined with daily life, a new wave of research is sounding the alarm about the psychological risks of relying on AI for companionship and emotional support. A recent article by a cognitive psychologist and former tech industry leader highlights the rise of what experts are calling “synthetic intimacy”—a phenomenon unfolding as people increasingly turn to AI chatbots for personal connection, therapy, and even romance. With growing numbers across the globe, including in Thailand, engaging with AI companions, experts stress the urgent need to better understand the consequences for mental health, personal growth, and social cohesion. [psychologytoday.com]

As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, new research warns about the psychological costs of turning to machines for companionship, therapy, and romance. A recent piece from a cognitive psychologist and former tech leader describes “synthetic intimacy”—people forming emotional bonds with AI chatbots. With growing adoption across the globe, including in Thailand, experts urge careful examination of impacts on mental health, personal growth, and social cohesion.

In a world selling frictionless solutions, generative AI is marketed not only as a productivity tool but also as a companion. The article recounts a tech futurist’s experience dating four AI chatbots from major platforms. The reflections reveal moments of sweetness and emotional engagement. The takeaway is clear: many users feel seen by AI and share intimate thoughts with systems that never judge.

A new study in the Journal of Psychology shows that how parents bond with their children can influence a young adult’s life satisfaction. The emotional pathways involved are anxiety and anger. Findings from an Italian university indicate that overprotective parenting can increase anxiety, while warm, caring parenting helps with anger control, ultimately affecting overall happiness in emerging adulthood. This research offers useful insights for Thai families, educators, and policymakers aiming to nurture resilient, well-adjusted youth.

New findings published in the Journal of Psychology reveal that the way parents bond with their children can influence a young adult’s life satisfaction, and that this impact often travels through two powerful emotions: anxiety and anger. The study, led by researchers at an Italian university, shows that overprotective parenting may inadvertently fuel anxiety, while warm, caring parenting seems to promote better anger control—both of which affect how satisfied emerging adults are with their lives. This research shines new light on age-old questions faced by Thai families and educators about how to nurture resilient, well-adjusted future generations (PsyPost).

A new neuroimaging study suggests regular mindfulness meditation makes people more attuned to bodily sensations, but it does not sharpen sensory accuracy. The finding, reported in Psychophysiology, shows mindfulness can lower the brain’s sensory gating—the threshold that decides which signals reach conscious awareness—raising important questions for mental health practice and personal well-being. Research from behavioral and EEG data highlights that openness to internal cues increases, even when real sensory discrimination does not.

A new neuroimaging study has revealed that regular mindfulness meditation can make people more attuned to bodily sensations, but this increased openness does not actually sharpen sensory accuracy. The findings, published in the journal Psychophysiology, provide fresh insight into how mindfulness meditation alters perception by lowering the brain’s sensory gating—the threshold that regulates what bodily signals reach conscious awareness—raising intriguing questions for both mental health practitioners and individuals seeking emotional well-being through meditation (PsyPost).

A new study set to be presented at the upcoming SLEEP 2025 conference has revealed a striking connection between sleep quality and jealousy—especially among those with higher levels of relationship insecurity. The research, conducted with young adults and led by a doctoral candidate from Montana State University, indicates that poor sleep doesn’t simply fray tempers or cloud judgment, but can specifically provoke jealous feelings in those who are already anxious or insecure about their romantic relationships.Neuroscience News

A new study to be presented at SLEEP 2025 shows a clear link between sleep quality and jealousy, especially among people with higher relationship insecurity. Conducted with young adults and led by a doctoral candidate from Montana State University, the research suggests that poor sleep can intensify jealous feelings for those who already fear rejection or doubt their self-worth in relationships.

For Thai readers, where close family ties and social harmony are highly valued, understanding how sleep affects emotional dynamics within relationships is especially relevant. With many Thais experiencing sleep disturbances due to work stress, social media, and urban life, the findings speak to couples navigating both urban and rural settings.

New research suggests that adults who experienced trauma in childhood may experience fewer positive emotions and slightly more negative emotions during sexual conflicts with partners. The study, published in a reputable journal, also found a small link between childhood trauma and higher attachment anxiety, hinting at long-lasting effects on intimate relationships. The findings offer timely insights for Thai couples and mental health professionals about how early experiences can subtly influence emotional dynamics in adult partnerships.

In the world of relationships, heated arguments and shocking betrayals often get the blame for breaking couples apart. However, recent research highlighted by relationship experts reveals that subtle, toxic behaviors are often the true culprits behind relationship breakdowns. These patterns, often overlooked or dismissed as harmless quirks, can slowly erode trust, intimacy, and connection—sometimes before individuals even realize there is a problem. Awareness of these patterns, experts say, may be the key to healthier and more resilient relationships.

A growing body of relationship research shows that small, hidden behaviors often erode trust and closeness more than dramatic arguments or betrayals. These subtle toxic patterns can creep into daily interactions, slowly weakening connection before couples notice. Understanding and reframing these habits may lead to healthier, more resilient partnerships.

Thai families and couples value harmony and interdependence, and the topic resonates deeply in Thai culture. As mental health awareness expands in Thailand, recognizing these invisible stressors becomes essential for sustaining both romantic and family bonds. Recent expert insights highlight a range of behaviors that, if left unchecked, quietly undermine even strong relationships.

A British clinical psychologist has sparked international debate by suggesting that what sounds like encouragement from a friend can conceal a toxic dynamic. This insight offers valuable lessons for Thai audiences navigating friendship boundaries in a social-media era.

In Thai culture, friendship is central to emotional wellbeing and is often seen as a lifelong bond built on respect and mutual support. With face and social reputation playing important roles, it is crucial to distinguish genuine encouragement from covert hostility, especially as interactions increasingly move online where sarcasm can be subtle.

A new perspective from a British clinical psychologist is turning conventional wisdom on its head—what sounds like praise from a friend might actually be a subtle flag of a toxic relationship. This unexpected finding has triggered wide debate internationally and holds crucial lessons for Thai readers who are navigating the intricate boundaries of friendship, particularly in today’s social media-driven culture.

For many Thais, friendships are central to emotional wellbeing and are often regarded as lifelong bonds strengthened through shared experiences, respect, and support. Given the importance of “face” (renown and social reputation) in Thai society, understanding the lines between genuine encouragement and covert hostility is critical—especially when social interactions are increasingly migrating to online spaces, where sarcasm and subtle digs can fly under the radar.

A powerful story from The Telegraph about parents losing two sons to suicide has sparked renewed discussion in Thailand about how families and schools can bolster young people’s mental health. The piece centers on a parent’s grief and questions whether today’s youths are equipped to cope with suffering in an increasingly complex world.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people worldwide, and Thailand is no exception. Data from Thailand’s Department of Mental Health show adolescent suicide rates have risen over the past decade. Experts attribute this trend to heightened academic pressure, family tensions, and the isolating effects of social media. The Telegraph article’s hopeful focus on resilience mirrors concerns voiced by Thai educators and public health officials about emotional fragility and the need for practical coping skills among students.

A deeply moving account recently published by The Telegraph, titled “Both of My Sons Took Their Own Lives. I Feel I Didn’t Teach Them Well Enough How to Suffer,” has reignited urgent conversations worldwide—including in Thailand—about youth suicide and the profound challenges parents face in supporting children’s mental health. The story, which recounts a parent’s devastating loss of two sons to suicide, highlights a poignant, widely shared concern: Are families and schools adequately preparing young people to cope with suffering and emotional distress in an increasingly complex world?

A new article published by the Times of India shines a spotlight on eight unexpected behaviors that reveal when children are genuinely content, breaking the common misconception that happiness in kids is only expressed through smiles and laughter. These insights add to a growing understanding among parents, educators, and health professionals about the rich tapestry of emotional wellbeing in children—and why it matters for fostering healthier societies, especially in Thailand where parenting styles continually adapt to global trends (Times of India).

A new wellness approach called cozymaxxing is gaining traction in 2025, proposing that deliberate home comfort can help reduce stress, burnout, and the pressures of modern life. For Thai readers, this trend offers practical ways to restore balance within familiar living spaces, backed by emerging research and expert insights.

The movement arises amid ongoing social and economic pressures. The COVID-19 era reshaped daily life and heightened attention to safety, rest, and personal well-being. In Thailand, economic uncertainty and the lingering effects of hustle culture amplify the appeal of simple, restorative routines that can be practiced at home.

A new wellness trend known as “cozymaxxing” has taken the internet by storm in 2025, promising to help people combat stress, burnout, and the constant pressures of modern life by optimizing their environments for maximum comfort and relaxation. Far from being an indulgent fad, emerging research and expert insights suggest that this approach to intentional coziness could hold important benefits for mental and emotional well-being—an idea that’s resonating strongly with Thai readers seeking practical ways to restore balance in turbulent times.

A recent piece from the Times of India highlights eight surprising behaviors that reveal when kids are truly content. The article challenges the notion that happiness in children is shown only through bright smiles, offering a richer view of emotional wellbeing. For Thai readers, these insights align with growing attention to mental health, resilience, and the social context that supports healthy development. Data and perspectives come from global research and Thai educational and health discussions that emphasize well-being alongside academics.

A new wave of psychological thinking is gaining traction worldwide thanks to motivational expert Mel Robbins’ simple “Let Them” theory, a mindset shift that is rapidly resonating with people burdened by stress, interpersonal conflict, and the struggle to set boundaries. According to Robbins and other supporters, the transformative power of these two words lies in their ability to free individuals from taking things personally, fostering inner calm and healthier relationships. As Thai society continues to grapple with rising mental health concerns, this theory offers a cross-cultural perspective with surprising resonance in Thailand’s Buddhist-influenced culture of acceptance and “letting go” (Upworthy; Mel Robbins Official).

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.

A new study from Imperial College London suggests psilocybin could keep emotional responses to music more intact in depressed patients, while the common antidepressant escitalopram tends to blunt those emotions. Both treatments produced similar improvements in core depressive symptoms, but psilocybin appeared to sustain a richer emotional engagement with music. The research, published in Molecular Psychiatry, and summarized by Medical Xpress, highlights how psychedelic-assisted therapy might influence emotional processing alongside symptom relief. The findings offer potential relevance for Thai audiences where music holds deep cultural and spiritual significance.