#Personality

A landmark study from Michigan State University has revealed that people who develop strong daily stress management skills not only find it easier to cope with everyday challenges but also become noticeably more extroverted, agreeable, and open to new experiences as they age. Conversely, those who handle stress less effectively tend to grow more introverted and less open to unfamiliar ideas, underscoring the long-term value of emotional regulation for personal well-being.

The lines between extroversion and introversion are rarely clear-cut, according to the latest psychological research and expert commentary published in HuffPost’s “6 Signs That You Might Be An Extroverted Introvert” (HuffPost). As many Thais return to office life, social gatherings, and family reunions post-pandemic, the nuances of how we relate to others—and ourselves—have never felt more important. In a society known for its “kreng jai” culture (consideration for others and social harmony), understanding one’s place on the introvert-extrovert spectrum could be the key to better mental health and more harmonious relationships, both at home and work.

A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology finds that aligning exercise routines with personality traits may hold the key to making workouts more enjoyable—and sticking with them. The research, led by a team from University College London, throws light on why some people dread their workouts while others find them invigorating, and suggests that recognizing one’s personality type can help overcome barriers to physical activity.

This research is significant for Thai readers as the country, like much of the world, faces growing concerns over sedentary lifestyles and related health risks. With nearly one third of the global adult population failing to achieve the World Health Organization’s recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week, understanding new motivational strategies is crucial for Thailand’s ongoing efforts to combat non-communicable diseases and promote holistic well-being (WHO physical activity statistics).

For many Thais struggling to stick with regular exercise, the solution may not be about finding more time or better equipment, but rather choosing physical activities that suit their personality. According to a new study published in Frontiers in Psychology and highlighted by CNN, matching workouts to personality traits can not only make exercise more enjoyable but may also lead to better long-term results.

Historically, the quest for sustaining an active lifestyle has often been met with frustration, as standard health advice tends to promote one-size-fits-all solutions like running, high-intensity workouts, or group fitness classes. But as recent research indicates, these approaches could be counterproductive—especially for people whose natural preferences make such routines actually demotivating. In a society like Thailand, where the fast-paced Bangkok work life and rural traditions collide, this insight sheds new light on the barriers keeping many from regular exercise.

A new psychological study suggests that the way children are parented—especially when that parenting is cold, abusive, or overly controlling—can have lasting effects on their adult lives, with certain personality traits serving as the connecting thread. Published in Psychological Reports, the research sheds light on why negative parenting is tied to later emotional, social, and occupational difficulties, and points to the key role of personality traits such as conscientiousness in explaining this link (PsyPost).

Scientists have unlocked a universal code to what it means to be “cool”—and it turns out, these qualities transcend cultural boundaries. According to groundbreaking research published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, people around the world, from the United States to China, Nigeria to Germany, consistently identify a set of six core personality traits that define the elusive concept of “coolness.” The findings are reshaping our understanding of how global media, social trends, and cultural exchange converge to create modern social archetypes, with important implications for Thailand’s own youth, education, and cultural landscape.

Psychologists have finally cracked the code on what it means to be “cool”—and it turns out, the definition is strikingly universal. New research involving diverse participants from around the globe has identified six core personality traits that make someone universally perceived as cool: extraversion, hedonism, power, adventurousness, openness, and autonomy. This breakthrough challenges the idea that coolness is purely cultural or subjective and provides new insights into how these attributes transcend borders and societies (New York Post, The New York Times).

A groundbreaking study led by researchers at the University of Barcelona has harnessed artificial intelligence (AI) to reveal how everyday language can be used to detect personality traits, while also making key inroads into understanding how such AI models make their decisions. Using advanced machine learning techniques and a transparent, explainable AI approach known as “integrated gradients,” the research demystifies the inner workings of AI personality assessments. Their findings, recently published in PLOS ONE, could transform how personality is measured and ethically deployed across fields ranging from clinical psychology to education and human resources (source).

A striking new study published in PNAS has mapped where people with so-called “dark” personality traits—such as psychopathy, narcissism, and everyday sadism—are most likely to reside, linking these traits to broader social conditions such as poverty, inequality, and violence. The findings, drawn from multiple datasets and encompassing 1.8 million individuals across 183 countries and 144,000 participants in the United States, offer new insights into how environment and society can shape individual psychology (NewsNationNow).

A sweeping new global study shows that people living in societies plagued by corruption, inequality, poverty, and violence are significantly more likely to develop what psychologists term “dark” personality traits, including psychopathy, narcissism, and machiavellianism—a finding with profound implications for social policy and Thai society. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, analyzing data from nearly 2 million individuals across 183 countries, report that social adversity is a strong predictor of psychological tendencies towards selfishness, aggression, and exploitation, raising key questions about how governance and environment shape the character of entire populations (Phys.org, news.ku.dk).

Early experiences of social exclusion may have far-reaching consequences on individuals’ psychological wellbeing and future personality development, according to new research reported by PsyPost. The study, which investigates the knock-on effects of childhood social rejection, reveals that not only does exclusion increase loneliness, but it is also linked to a rise in characteristics known collectively as the “Dark Triad”: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. These findings could have significant implications for educators, parents, and policymakers in Thailand, where social harmony and group integration are held in high cultural regard.

A newly published study from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology is making waves by suggesting that individuals who cheat once are significantly more likely to repeat their dishonest behaviour—contradicting the longstanding belief that cheating is merely a one-time error in judgment rather than a trait embedded in a person’s character. This finding has important implications for understanding dishonesty in everyday life and raises new questions for Thai readers about how trust and integrity function in both personal and professional relationships.

A new study reveals that procrastinating bedtime—a common struggle for many young adults—may be shaped more by underlying emotional health and personality traits than by simple poor time management, offering fresh insights for those in Thailand grappling with late nights and insufficient sleep. The research, set to be presented at the SLEEP 2025 annual meeting, highlights higher levels of neuroticism and lower levels of conscientiousness and extraversion among individuals who routinely delay going to bed even without external obligations, findings that suggest new directions for sleep-related interventions and wellness strategies (Neuroscience News).

A new personality type is making waves in the world of child psychology: the ‘otrovert’. Recently introduced by psychiatrist Dr. Rami Kaminski in his latest book, “The Gift of Not Belonging,” the otrovert describes children who thrive in one-on-one interactions but feel alienated or uncomfortable in larger groups—a concept distinct from the more familiar categories of introversion and extroversion. As parents and educators in Thailand continue to seek a better understanding of children’s social needs, this new research sheds light on how some children may chart their own unique path through social development.

A groundbreaking new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has found that individuals who cheat once are highly likely to cheat again, even years later. This wide-ranging investigation challenges the notion that dishonesty is merely situational, instead suggesting that for many, the tendency to cheat is a persistent personality trait. The findings have significant implications for relationships, education, and workplace ethics in Thailand, a society that values trust and integrity.

A new study suggests that frequent conflicts, such as arguments and emotional outbursts, may explain why individuals who score high in neuroticism tend to feel less satisfied in their romantic relationships. The research, published in Sexual and Relationship Therapy, unveils behavioral patterns that could be especially relevant for couples in Thailand seeking to strengthen their partnerships or understand why tensions sometimes run high (PsyPost).

Neuroticism, one of the Big Five personality traits studied worldwide, refers to a tendency to experience strong negative emotions—including anxiety, sadness, irritability, and emotional instability. While deeply influenced by genetics and early life experiences, this trait is not entirely unchangeable. Thai readers may be familiar with the trait as “hua jai wawn” in popular culture, describing people who are quick to be upset or easily distressed. International studies have long linked high neuroticism to poorer relationship outcomes, but the new research adds clarity by showing that it’s not just the emotional temperament itself but the tendency to engage in conflict-fueled behaviors that erode relationship satisfaction.

Could a person’s face betray their darkest personality traits? A recent study featured in international news coverage, including a widely read article on Newsweek, has sparked lively debate with the claim that psychopathy and other so-called “dark triad” traits—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—can indeed be detected from someone’s facial appearance alone. Drawing insights from the latest scientific advances, the study challenges traditional notions about whether people can reliably spot dangerous or manipulative individuals by their looks—a topic with major implications for Thai society, given the importance placed on first impressions, face, and social harmony.

A wave of new research is overturning long-held beliefs about the power of parenting in shaping who we become as adults, with renowned psychologist Michael W. Eysenck’s latest book, “Rethinking Psychology: Finding Meaning in Misconceptions,” spotlighting the ways genetics, more than parenting styles, influence adult personalities. The findings, detailed in a recent report by the Times of India, are likely to spark important conversations in Thai families and among educators who have long assumed nurturing—rather than nature—was the primary driver of children’s lifelong temperaments and mental health Times of India.

A recent study has uncovered that older adults tend to engage in less self-reflection about their personality traits than their younger counterparts—a finding that could have important implications for personal development, mental health, and aging in Thailand and beyond. The research, published in the journal Motivation and Emotion, explored age differences in how individuals think about and evaluate their own personalities, concluding that as people age, they become less likely to question or analyze aspects of who they are.

A sweeping new international study published in Nature Human Behaviour has overturned one-size-fits-all notions of happiness, revealing that what brings joy is profoundly personal and shaped by a unique mix of external circumstances and inner mindsets for each individual. The research, based on life satisfaction surveys from more than 40,000 people across five countries and spanning up to 30 years, offers crucial insights for public health policy and individual wellbeing, including in Thailand, where social, cultural, and economic factors deeply intertwine with personal happiness.

A groundbreaking study has revealed that one of the most effective ways to raise children who develop into open, conscientious, and agreeable adults is through regular displays of parental warmth and affection. The research, published in the highly regarded journal American Psychologist this April, offers fresh insight for Thai families seeking science-backed guidance in nurturing quality adults who thrive in society and at work.

In a culture where academic achievement and respectful behavior are prized hallmarks of Thai parenting, this new evidence suggests that the simple act of expressing affection may have lasting benefits beyond grades and manners. The researchers followed 2,232 British identical twins from infancy to 18 years old, analyzing in-depth recordings of mother-child interactions for signs of warmth and support. The result: children who received more affection—especially between the ages of five and ten—were measurably more open to experience, conscientious, and agreeable as young adults compared to their less-embraced peers.

A recent research investigation has uncovered that individuals with narcissistic personality traits are significantly more likely to perceive themselves as excluded in social situations and to misread the cues of those around them. These findings, highlighted in a report published by PsyPost, shed new light on the challenges faced by narcissistic individuals in forming and maintaining interpersonal relationships, with meaningful implications for modern Thai society as it navigates increasing social complexity and mental health awareness.