#FinancialEducation

Stress pushes people to choose riskier options, with noticeable differences between men and women. A University of Arkansas study, published in Psychoneuroendocrinology, explores how stress reshapes judgment and decision-making. The findings matter for daily life in Thailand, where economic uncertainty and personal finances are a constant concern for many households.

The study centers on loss aversion—the tendency to fear losses more than valuing gains of equal size. Under pressure, this protective instinct weakens, leading to bolder choices. The lead author, an assistant professor of psychological science, notes that stress makes him hesitant to decide when potential losses are at stake. This mirrors a common Thai experience during times of job insecurity or volatile markets, where residents weigh investment and financial decisions carefully.

A new study from the University of Arkansas reveals that stress significantly nudges people toward making riskier choices, with key differences in how men and women respond to decision-making under pressure. The findings, published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, mark an important step in understanding how stress changes our judgment—a topic with direct relevance to the daily lives and financial wellbeing of Thais, especially in uncertain economic times.

At the heart of the research is a concept called “loss aversion,” referring to the well-established human tendency to fear losses more than we value equivalent gains—for example, losing 3,600 baht hurts more than the pleasure of gaining 3,600 baht. Under stress, however, this protective instinct weakens, resulting in bolder, riskier decisions. As the study’s lead author, an assistant professor of psychological science, explains, “In my own life, if I’m stressed, I’ll wait to make a decision that could have potential loss implications.” His reflection echoes a common experience for many Thai workers—such as hesitant investment decisions during periods of high job insecurity or fluctuating market conditions.

A growing number of individuals worldwide are falling prey to online “relationships” defined not by emotional support or companionship, but by a steady financial outflow—often in just one direction. Recent international reports reveal a dramatic rise in romance scams, echoing the concerns of agony columns like “Dear Abby,” where readers describe partnerships that only seem to involve sending money, not receiving genuine affection. Behind the stories are stark statistics and sophisticated scam operations that have made digital platforms a hotbed for financial exploitation under the guise of love.

A growing global phenomenon sees people drawn into online “relationships” that drain money rather than provide affection. New analyses show a sharp increase in romance scams, where scammers exploit loneliness and trust to extract funds. The pattern is now a pressing public concern that requires practical awareness and action.

For Thailand, where internet and smartphone use continues to rise and dating apps grow in popularity across generations, the risk is highly relevant. Generosity and hospitality are core Thai values, but criminals exploit these traits through manipulation, empathy, and fake emergencies. The question, “Is it still a relationship if only one person sends money?” reflects a real, evolving threat that Thai communities must confront.