#Mentalhealth

A landmark new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has found that regular participation in sports and exercise during childhood has a significant, protective effect on mental health as young people grow into their teenage years. The research stands out for its scale, clarity, and detailed consideration of how sport and physical activity influence mental wellness among both boys and girls, offering critical insights for parents, educators, and policymakers in Thailand and beyond (usnews.com).

A new international study has found that regular physical exercise can significantly enhance the academic self-confidence of college students, with personality traits like future orientation and mental resilience playing a pivotal mediating role. The findings could inform Thai universities and educators looking to support students’ mental well-being and scholastic achievement amid mounting educational challenges.

The research, conducted with 624 university students, examined how physical activity contributes not only to physical health, but to psychological traits that underpin academic success. By using structured questionnaires and advanced statistical analysis, the investigators uncovered a strong positive link between engaging in exercise and students’ belief in their ability to excel academically—what psychologists call “academic self-efficacy” (Frontiers in Psychology).

A recent international study finds that regular physical activity can significantly raise college students’ academic self-confidence. The research highlights future orientation and mental resilience as key mediators, suggesting ways universities can support student well-being and achievement in Thailand’s evolving education landscape.

The study tracked 624 university students to examine how exercise influences not just physical health but psychological traits linked to academic success. Using structured surveys and robust statistical methods, researchers identified a strong positive link between regular exercise and academic self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to succeed academically. Data from research organizations involved indicates that this confidence helps students overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and persist through challenges.

Chronic stress affects millions in urban Thailand, where work pressures, family duties, and nonstop connectivity collide. A recent expert analysis in The Conversation synthesizes evidence-based strategies to reduce stress and protect daily well-being. The discussion arrives as public interest grows in practical, science-based approaches to curb stress, beyond just appearance or quick fixes.

In Thai culture, the idea of jai yen—keeping a calm, cool heart—remains a guiding ideal even as modern life tests it. Bangkok and other cities face rapid lifestyle changes, with longer hours and constant digital contact, making manageable stress even more important for students, workers, and families.

As modern Thai society grapples with mounting pressures from work, family, and digital connectivity, the question of how best to manage chronic stress remains urgent. A recent article by a behavioural psychology expert published on The Conversation (theconversation.com) offers a timely synthesis of evidence-based strategies to counteract stress and its impact on daily life. Drawing on the latest science, the guidance comes at a moment when “cortisol face”—a social media phrase referencing the puffy eyes and cheeks that some associate with prolonged stress—has captured public attention. Yet, the expert emphasizes, effective stress management is about more than appearance; it’s about supporting holistic body and mind health.

A wave of recent research is reviving the idea that flow—the immersive state where time seems to fade and self-consciousness recedes—could be a key to genuine happiness. Since Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi popularized it in the 1970s, flow has influenced classrooms and businesses worldwide, including in Thailand. But what exactly is flow, how can Thais cultivate it amid busy lives, and what does science say about its benefits?

This topic matters in Thailand as the country debates mental health, productivity, and student well-being. Thai culture already emphasizes mindfulness and presence, rooted in Buddhist-inspired concentration practices. With rising stress and burnout reported by the Ministry of Public Health and mental health hotlines, the prospect that flow might offer relief and happiness is compelling.

A major new book, “The Family Dynamic” by Susan Dominus, is challenging long-held beliefs about how families can raise high-achieving children, offering vital insights for Thai parents pressured by rising academic and social expectations. Drawing on extensive reporting and scientific research, Dominus turns the conventional wisdom about parenting for success on its head, revealing that high achievement in children often comes with underappreciated emotional costs—and that much of what parents agonize over may matter less than they think.

A new UNICEF assessment shows Japanese children excel in physical health, yet their mental well-being ranks among the lowest in developed nations. The 2025 study places Japan 32nd out of 43 nations for youth mental health, highlighted by a troublingly high suicide rate. This contrast—strong physical health alongside fragile mental well-being—calls for urgent policy action and broader public discussion in Japan and across Asia, including Thailand.

According to UNICEF, the report evaluates countries on mental well-being, physical health, and academic and social skills. Japan’s overall score has improved to 14th place from 20th, with a notable rise in academic and social skills. Physical health remains consistently strong. However, mental health remains a critical vulnerability, with suicide among youths ranking as one of the highest in the sample. Data from multiple sources underscore the severity of the issue, indicating a persistent mental health gap despite other gains.

A recent report by UNICEF has revealed that while Japanese children excel in physical health, their mental well-being remains among the poorest in the developed world. Ranking 32nd out of 43 developed and emerging nations, Japan’s position is largely attributed to a troublingly high youth suicide rate, despite improvements in other areas of child development. This stark finding underscores an urgent need for both national awareness and targeted policies to address the mental health crisis among Japanese youth, offering important lessons for countries across Asia, including Thailand.

New neuroscience suggests music can actively reshape memory by coloring recollections with the emotions of the surrounding soundtrack. In a study published in Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience, researchers found that listening to music during memory recall can add new emotional details to neutral memories, rather than simply reviving them.

For Thai readers, where music anchors national ceremonies, religious rituals, education, and daily life, these findings have wide-reaching significance. The results offer scientific support for the long-observed emotional effects of Thai classical, pop, and religious music, while hinting at practical use for therapy, classrooms, and everyday listening.

A groundbreaking study published in Development and Psychopathology has revealed that the way parents respond to their daughters during emotionally charged arguments may help predict the likelihood of suicidal thoughts a year later. Specifically, adolescent girls whose parents failed to reciprocate eye contact and happy facial expressions during parent-child conflicts were found to be at greater risk for developing suicidal ideation. This research underscores the profound impact of subtle, moment-to-moment behaviors on mental health—a finding especially relevant for families and professionals concerned about the rising rates of suicide among adolescent girls worldwide.

A recent May 15, 2025 piece from a leading Indian daily highlighted ten phrases that empower kids to defend themselves calmly and non-violently. The report is attracting attention in Asia, including Thailand, for offering research-backed language children can use to de-escalate bullying and seek help when needed.

Bullying remains a challenge in Thai schools, as it does globally. Data from Thailand’s health and education authorities indicate that a significant portion of secondary students experience some form of bullying, whether verbal, physical, or social exclusion. The emotional impact can be lasting, affecting mental health, academics, and self-worth. In Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Education emphasize the need for proactive strategies that combine communication skills with clear reporting paths. The latest study offers practical verbals that children can deploy to deflect harm, de-escalate tension, and escalate concerns to trusted adults.

A growing body of research suggests that softening our egos—focusing less on self-promotion and more on humility, empathy, and growth—can boost happiness and resilience. In a world that often rewards loud voices, new studies highlight the benefits of cultivating a “quiet ego.”

Modern life tends to celebrate visibility. Influencers rise, social networks urge us to stand out, and competition in the workplace pressures self-promotion. Yet recent research shows that this cultural shift may accompany higher levels of stress and lower well-being, especially among younger people. The idea of a quiet ego offers a balanced approach to identity: healthy self-awareness paired with genuine care for others.

A growing body of research challenges the belief that nonstop achievement leads to lasting happiness. In a compelling analysis, experts argue that the emotional lift from traditional success markers—more money, higher status, visible recognition—tends to fade. Instead, sustainable well-being comes from personal purpose, ongoing learning, and strong relationships. This shift is framed with references to work by respected researchers and long-running studies, all pointing to a steadier path to contentment.

A large new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine shows that kids who regularly play sports and stay active have a markedly lower chance of developing mental health issues as teenagers. The research stands out for its scale, clear findings, and detailed look at how physical activity affects mental wellness for both boys and girls, offering important lessons for parents, teachers, and policymakers in Thailand and beyond.

A wave of new research is challenging a core belief held by many in Thailand and around the world: that relentless pursuit of achievement—be it higher income, prestigious job titles, or visible markers of success—is the pathway to lasting happiness. Recent findings, popularized in an insightful analysis by Jordan Grumet, M.D., in Psychology Today, suggest that the emotional satisfaction from achieving traditional markers of success is not only fleeting but often overrated. Instead, the research points toward alternative, simpler routes to genuine well-being—emphasizing personal purpose, ongoing self-development, and strong interpersonal relationships as the keys to lasting contentment (Psychology Today).

A landmark book, The Family Dynamic by Susan Dominus, challenges the belief that relentless parental planning guarantees high-achieving children. For Thai readers facing mounting academic and social pressures, the work offers timely insights into how family life can support well-being alongside achievement.

Dominus profiles six sets of remarkable siblings shaped by determined, future-focused parents. The families’ stories show children becoming doctors, artists, entrepreneurs, and athletes. Yet the book also reveals a price: emotional strain, anxiety, and burnout can accompany intense parental ambition. The message is clear—pushing too hard for success can overshadow a child’s broader sense of purpose.

A growing body of research suggests that moderate, mindful video game play can offer real cognitive and emotional advantages for Thai youth, challenging lingering stereotypes that gaming is simply a waste of time. With Thailand’s young population becoming a powerhouse in Southeast Asia’s digital economy, these findings hold practical relevance for families, educators, and policymakers seeking constructive, tech-enabled learning paths.

Historically, gaming has battled negative stereotypes. The World Health Organization has acknowledged that excessive gaming can lead to problematic behaviors. Yet recent literature shows that balanced gaming can strengthen spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and creativity. As popular titles like Animal Crossing, Fortnite, and Mobile Legends captivate Thai players, understanding the broader impacts of gaming is more important than ever.

A new study in Development and Psychopathology shows that how parents respond during heated exchanges with their daughters may predict suicidal thoughts a year later. Specifically, girls whose parents do not reciprocate eye contact or smiles during conflicts are at higher risk for later suicidal ideation. The findings highlight how moment-to-moment parental behaviors shape mental health, offering practical guidance for families and educators concerned about rising suicide risk among teenage girls.

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.

A fresh wave of psychological research has revived the idea that flow—the feeling of being so deeply engaged in an activity that time and self-consciousness seem to fade away—could hold the secret to true happiness. First introduced to the mainstream by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in the 1970s, and now fueling everything from Thai classrooms to corporate boardrooms, the flow state promises profound well-being and enhanced performance. But what exactly is flow, how can Thais foster it in their busy lives, and what does the latest science say about its impact?

A growing body of scientific research suggests that turning down the volume on our egos—focusing less on self-centeredness and more on humility, empathy, and growth—may be a key to greater happiness and resilience. In a culture increasingly dominated by loud personalities, especially on social media and in public life, new studies are bringing fresh attention to the psychological and social benefits of nurturing what psychologists call a “quiet ego.”

Modern life tends to reward those who promote themselves. The prolific rise of influencers, the ever-present pressure to stand out on social networks, and the competitive edge in the workforce all encourage loud, self-focused behavior. Yet, as highlighted in a recent Atlantic article, there is evidence that this cultural shift coincides with record-high levels of depression and declining overall well-being, especially among young people.

The popular image of video gaming in Thailand often leans toward caution—concerns about addiction, wasted time, and negative social or health impacts. However, a wave of recent research is overturning these preconceptions, highlighting an array of surprising cognitive, psychological, and social benefits linked to moderate and mindful video game play. With Thailand’s youth among the most active in Southeast Asia’s expanding digital economy, these findings may carry particular significance for local families, educators, and policymakers.

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.