#Mentalhealth

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 revealing new study conducted by academic teams at the University of Brighton and the University of Coimbra has spotlighted the profound psychological impacts that ghosting and gaslighting can have—especially among young adults negotiating today’s digitally-driven relationship landscape. The findings forge important connections between the surge of online communication and risks to mental health, and they carry sobering implications for individuals across Thailand navigating similar social terrains.

According to the research, which surveyed 544 adults aged 18 to 40 in the UK, both ghosting—the act of abruptly ending all communication without explanation—and gaslighting—a psychological manipulation tactic that leads individuals to doubt their reality—were shown to trigger mental health symptoms such as depression and paranoid thinking. The study’s methodology accounted for variables like age, income, and personality traits, including sensitivity to rejection and uncertainty, which are themselves recognized as risk factors for mental distress.

A provocative new wave of research is challenging a long-standing assumption: that living without friends is synonymous with loneliness and emotional distress. In a world shaped by social media, “connection” is celebrated as vital for human happiness, yet a recent study published in the Canadian Review of Sociology reveals a far more nuanced reality—some people with few or no friends are, in fact, content, even thriving in their solitude. This finding, highlighted by Psychology Today and echoed in multiple news reports and scholarly discussions, encourages Thai readers to critically reconsider both personal and cultural beliefs about friendship and fulfillment (Psychology Today; Wiley; CTV News Atlantic).

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 recent study has unveiled that the single-letter text response “K” provokes the strongest negative emotions among digital communicators, surpassing even being left on read or receiving responses like “sure” or “fine.” The findings, published in the Journal of Mobile Communication and featured in Times of India’s trending section (timesofindia.indiatimes.com), shed light on how succinct online messages can pack an unexpected emotional punch.

In an era when instant messaging shapes personal, professional, and even cross-cultural relationships—including those in Thailand’s digitally savvy society—the implications of a blunt “K” go far beyond simple acknowledgement. The study sampled 1,500 participants aged 18–45. Researchers tracked emotional responses through surveys, sentiment analysis, and even biometric signals such as heart rate. Results consistently showed that the response “K” was perceived as the coldest and most dismissive of digital replies, frequently interpreted as passive-aggressive or abrupt. Interestingly, both men and women rated “K” as emotionally disconnecting, though women were slightly more sensitive to its effects.

In recent findings drawing international attention, health experts emphasize that regular exercise isn’t only about building muscles or shedding weight—it’s a vital contributor to mental wellness. As Thais navigate the pressures of modern life, especially in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, understanding how sweat and strength can combat depression and anxiety holds new urgency. The latest research compiled from authoritative sources including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mayo Clinic, and leading academic institutions, demonstrates that physical activity can play a key role in both preventing and relieving common mental health concerns—a message that could reshape well-being strategies for individuals and communities across Thailand (KXAN).

In the ever-evolving world of romance, playing “hard-to-get” remains one of the most debated dating strategies. A new empirical review, highlighted in a recent article by Psychology Today, dives deep into decades of research to determine whether creating an air of mystery and unavailability truly makes someone more attractive—or whether transparency and directness, particularly valued in today’s digital age, have rendered the tactic obsolete.

For Thai readers navigating both traditional values and modern dating trends, this discussion is highly relevant. The strategy of playing hard-to-get, which involves intentionally delaying responses, keeping intentions ambiguous, or sporadically signaling romantic interest, is familiar across cultures. In the Thai context, social etiquette often encourages subtlety and restraint in early stages of courtship, making it important to examine if scientific evidence supports, or challenges, these ingrained behaviors.

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).

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?

In a striking new development, recent Iranian research has suggested that depression and anxiety may be “contagious” between romantic partners—not simply due to shared circumstances, but through the exchange of mouth bacteria during intimate interactions such as kissing. The study, published in the journal Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine and widely reported by StudyFinds, offers a fresh biological perspective on why couples often mirror each other’s moods and mental health (studyfinds.org).

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 new peer-reviewed study has found that a six-week regimen of Muay Thai, Thailand’s national martial art, delivers significant improvements in participants’ quality of life, love of life, and self-control—offering fresh scientific evidence for the physical and psychological benefits long celebrated in Thai culture. The research, published on May 23, 2025 in Frontiers in Psychology, is among the first to rigorously examine how structured Muay Thai training impacts these key markers of mental health and happiness among university students (frontiersin.org).

Therapists have identified a pervasive challenge particularly troubling for eldest daughters: an overwhelming sense of over-responsibility, which significantly affects their happiness and well-being. Drawing on both recent research and extensive professional experience, mental health experts now describe “eldest daughter syndrome”—a set of expectations and pressures uniquely experienced by firstborn girls—as a major factor in their long-term mental health outcomes. The concept strikes a chord with many, resonating powerfully within Thai families, where cultural traditions often reinforce the burdens shouldered by eldest children.

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 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.

Recent research in social psychology is shedding new light on the powerful yet often overlooked social benefits of simple acts like making eye contact and engaging in small talk with strangers. At a time when loneliness and social disconnection are on the rise worldwide—including in Thailand—experts suggest that these small gestures are not merely polite, but serve as “psychological generosity” with tangible benefits for both individuals and society as a whole. The insights, published in The Conversation by a professor of social psychology, challenge the prevailing trends of tech-induced social withdrawal and make a compelling case for a renewed focus on everyday human connection in public spaces (The Conversation).

A wave of change is sweeping through parenting strategies worldwide, and Thailand is no exception. “Gentle parenting”—a term gaining popularity on social media platforms—has emerged as a favored approach among a growing segment of parents. Recent studies, as reported in a CNN health article, shed light on what gentle parenting actually means, debunk common misconceptions, and explore its potential benefits and challenges for families—especially those eager to nurture resilience and emotional intelligence in their children.

A major new study has confirmed a troubling link: as preteens spend more time on social media, their risk of experiencing depressive symptoms rises significantly—a finding with profound implications for parents, educators, and policymakers in Thailand and around the world. The longitudinal research, published in JAMA Network Open and conducted by a team at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), tracked nearly 12,000 children over three years and delivered the strongest evidence yet that increased screen time can actually cause later depression in youth, not just reflect existing mood changes. For a country like Thailand, where smartphone and social media penetration among youth have soared, these findings raise urgent questions about digital wellbeing and mental health support for the next generation.

A new wave in fitness is gaining traction globally — and it’s as simple as walking, but with a twist. The Japanese interval walking method, now popular on social media and the subject of emerging scientific research, promises to boost cardiovascular health, reduce blood pressure, increase muscle strength, and support overall well-being through a simple but structured walking routine.

Originating in Japan as Interval Walking Training (IWT), this approach alternates short bursts of high-intensity walking with periods of slower-paced recovery. Proponents say it’s a smarter way to walk, delivering health results often associated with more strenuous exercise — and recent anecdotal reports, like one published by Tom’s Guide, suggest the method is accessible and enjoyable enough for sustained practice (Tom’s Guide).

A newly published study by University College London (UCL) researchers reveals that individuals who have taken antidepressants for more than two years are vastly more likely to suffer severe and long-lasting withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the medication, compared to those prescribed antidepressants for less than six months. The findings, which come at a critical time as antidepressant prescriptions have soared worldwide, suggest that the duration of use is a key driver for withdrawal difficulty, potentially prompting a significant shift in how these medications are prescribed and managed both globally and in Thailand.

Meditation, an ancient tradition long embraced by Buddhist monks and spiritual seekers in Thailand and beyond, is now in the limelight for a new reason—its proven benefits, grounded in modern science. Recent research, as reported by major health authorities and summarized by a new article in the Times of India (timesofindia.indiatimes.com), unveils how practicing meditation goes far beyond just a sense of calm, offering measurable positive effects for both body and brain.

A recent research study has found that the strict, high-expectation parenting style widely known as the “tiger mom” approach can significantly enhance adolescents’ cognitive abilities—but may simultaneously undermine their emotional health. The findings, published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and widely reported by PsyPost, highlight the complex trade-offs facing families who adopt stringent methods in hopes of academic success.

For Thai parents and educators, the results are especially significant in the context of increasing concerns about youth mental health and a highly competitive education system. The “tiger mom” style, popularized by Asian families and often associated with relentless academic rigor and disciplined routines, has gained both admiration and criticism in Thailand’s urban, middle-class communities. As pressure mounts on students to excel in national exams and international competitions, understanding the effects of such parenting approaches is more critical than ever.

A new wave of research offers hope for individuals in Thailand and worldwide battling depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as cognitive training techniques show promise in reducing negative self-perceptions—a hallmark symptom of these mental health conditions. According to a recent report by PsyPost, targeted cognitive training interventions could reshape the way people with depression and PTSD view themselves, potentially supporting better mental health outcomes and overall quality of life.

For Thai readers, this research is particularly significant given the culture’s deep-rooted values around face, self-respect, and the importance placed on emotional resilience. Negative self-perceptions not only exacerbate mental health conditions but can also impede daily functioning, strain family relationships, and limit social and career opportunities—issues especially salient in the Thai context, where societal harmony and personal presentation are emphasized.