#PositivePsychology

A new neuroscience study suggests that feeling good while learning could be the key to remembering information more effectively—shedding fresh light on the powerful link between positive emotions and memory performance. According to ground-breaking research by scientists at Hangzhou Normal University and Nanjing Normal University, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the human brain doesn’t just benefit from happy feelings; it builds stronger, more lasting memories because of them. For Thai students, educators, families, and individuals interested in boosting learning outcomes, these findings offer practical and culturally resonant strategies.

A recent international study spearheaded by The Big Joy Project has revealed that performing small, science-backed acts of joy for just five to ten minutes a day can significantly improve happiness, well-being, and even physical health. Drawing on data from over 17,000 participants spanning 169 countries, researchers found that these so-called “micro acts” or “joy snacks” deliver measurable benefits—offering a powerful, time-efficient tool to enhance everyday life.

For many in Thailand and around the world, demanding schedules and the pressures of modern life leave little room for self-care. Yet, the latest findings suggest that happiness may be far more accessible than previously thought. The Big Joy Project, part of the Mission: JOY initiative inspired by the friendship and teachings of the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, set out to test whether small, practical acts could uplift mood and reduce stress across various populations, not just in ideal laboratory settings but out in the “messy” real world (AOL News).

A new wave of research and expert advice is turning the spotlight on how people over 40 can achieve lifelong happiness, debunking the myth that satisfaction declines with age. According to a recent article published by YourTango and reinforced by decades of scientific investigation, adopting certain regular habits can set individuals in midlife—and beyond—on a course for greater well-being and fulfillment (yourtango.com). These findings hold special relevance for Thai readers as the Kingdom’s population ages and societal norms around happiness and self-actualization evolve.

In the latest findings spotlighted by CNN and corroborated by leading psychological research, the emotion of ‘awe’ could be a potent but under-utilised tool for improving teen mental health. As mental health issues and stress reach concerning levels among Thai adolescents, experts are urging families, schools, and communities to reimagine opportunities for young people to experience wonder—offering not only moments of joy but shielding effects for their psychological resilience.

The backdrop to this call for action is stark: Thailand, like many nations across Asia, faces a youth mental health crisis. Recent studies show a worrying increase in depression, anxiety, and suicide rates among the young (as reported by the Bangkok Post’s coverage of a ThaiHealth study). According to data, youths 15 years and older are suffering from depression at a rate of 2,200 per 100,000, and up to 17% of adolescents aged 13–17 are vulnerable to suicide attempts (Pacific Prime Thailand). Experts agree: new, creative approaches are urgently required.

New scientific research is turning the standard narrative about happiness on its head, revealing that joy may often arise not from seeking pleasure or avoiding discomfort, but from embracing life’s tougher moments, engaging deeply in challenging activities, and even by letting go of obsessively tracking our emotional state. These insights, synthesizing the latest studies published in 2024 and 2025, have profound implications not just globally but also for the millions of Thais seeking greater well-being in an increasingly turbulent world.

A recent study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology has uncovered a striking link between optimism and the likelihood of responding positively to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a mainstay medication for major depressive disorder. The research suggests that individuals with a more optimistic outlook are not only better positioned to benefit from these antidepressants, but that increases in optimism during treatment also significantly raise the chances of recovery—a finding with important implications for the future of mental health care in Thailand and globally (PsyPost).

Emerging psychological research is shedding light on an often-overlooked upside of parenting: moments of pride and awe experienced through a child can significantly improve a parent’s psychological well-being. These findings, published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, suggest that feeling deeply proud or awestruck by one’s child’s achievements or character can help parents feel happier, more satisfied, and perceive their lives as richer and more meaningful. For many Thai parents navigating the daily challenges of raising children, these insights offer new reasons to celebrate meaningful moments amid the pressures of modern family life (PsyPost).

Recent research published in Social Psychological and Personality Science has shed new light on the emotional rewards of parenthood, revealing that moments of pride and awe experienced by parents can significantly enhance psychological well-being. The findings suggest that these intense yet positive parental emotions may make the everyday challenges of raising children more fulfilling, offering valuable insights for Thai families seeking mental balance and parental satisfaction (PsyPost).

While much existing research highlights the stress, fatigue, and burden often associated with caregiving, this new study stands out by focusing on the uplifting side of parenting—specifically, the personal impact of feeling proud or awestruck by one’s child. The research addresses a long-standing question: If daily parenting demands are so high, why do people almost universally continue to choose parenthood? In Thai society, where strong family bonds and respect for generational contributions are culturally embedded, this question resonates deeply.

Researchers at Caltech and Japan’s Toyohashi University of Technology have uncovered the unique neural signatures that help teams enter deep, focused “flow states” together—a finding that could revolutionize how Thai workgroups, students, and even esports teams are assembled for peak performance. Team flow, long recognized in positive psychology as a state where individuals lose track of time and become wholly absorbed in collaborative activity, has been linked to better productivity, higher job satisfaction, and improved mental wellbeing. In their recent study, published in Nature Scientific Reports, scientists used EEG brainwave monitoring to capture the unique electrical “fingerprints” of focus when pairs played a cooperative rhythm-based video game that required precise, synchronized action, similar to popular titles like Guitar Hero (Caltech News).