#Psychology

The latest research and expert perspectives suggest that the quest for life’s meaning should not be treated as a puzzle to solve, but instead as an ongoing practice to engage with uncertainty, difficulty, and change. This reframing could be crucial for Thais navigating life transitions—whether it’s a recent graduate adjusting to post-academic life, a retiree redefining purpose, or anyone feeling lost after losing familiar routines. According to leading behavioral scientists, the path to meaning is not linear or formulaic, but deeply connected to our ability to adapt, reflect, and build coherence from ever-changing experiences (Big Think).

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.

Groundbreaking research from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf has illuminated the double-edged effects of stress: while it binds people more closely to their in-group, it simultaneously drives hostility toward perceived outsiders. Published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the findings provide a nuanced neurobiological perspective on why group conflicts—even when costly to all—remain so persistent worldwide. This research offers valuable insights into the psychological forces underpinning social divisions, with implications for Thai society and global communities navigating rising polarization.

A new article in Psychology Today has shed light on a persistent human trait: our tendency to resist anything unfamiliar—a phenomenon that impacts Thai society and communities worldwide in subtle but powerful ways. Recent research highlights how fear of difference is nurtured not just by our brains’ wiring but by deeply embedded societal lessons learned from family, school, and cultural narratives as we grow up (Psychology Today).

The significance of these findings lies in their resonance with ongoing social, educational, and cultural challenges across Thailand. As Thai society becomes more diverse—whether through ethnic communities in the North, the southern Malay-speaking provinces, or Bangkok’s increasingly international population—the question of how we react to “the other” has real implications for social harmony, inclusiveness in education policy, and economic opportunity. By understanding why humans instinctively draw comfort from the familiar and label the different as potentially risky, we can begin to address sources of prejudice and open doors to creativity and collaboration that are essential in an interconnected world.

A new trend is sweeping across South Korea’s youth: personality tests based on the concepts of testosterone and estrogen, labelled as ‘teto’ and ‘egen’, are becoming the latest markers of identity and compatibility, especially among young singles. This hormone-inspired typology is rapidly nudging aside the long-dominant MBTI as the go-to tool for self-understanding, social interaction, and even dating decisions—a phenomenon already echoed by pop culture and social media, and increasingly stirring discussion among experts.

A growing body of psychological research, backed by both historic wisdom and empirical studies, suggests that the relentless pursuit of happiness could ironically be leading to widespread dissatisfaction. According to recent findings discussed by a renowned psychologist and researchers from Stanford, focusing too much on feeling happy in the moment may actually undermine a more meaningful—and ultimately satisfying—life experience. For Thai readers navigating a society in flux between traditional values and global influences, these insights offer timely lessons for crafting a fulfilling existence.

A newly published meta-analysis involving over half a million participants has shed disturbing new light on how Machiavellian leaders affect their workplaces. Contrary to the popular belief that such cunning, manipulative leadership either guarantees success or spells disaster, this massive international study, appearing in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, finds much more complex and nuanced realities. While Machiavellian leaders consistently create harmful environments for their followers, their own professional fate depends heavily on context rather than clear-cut penalties or rewards psypost.org.

Recent research is reshaping long-held beliefs about trauma, revealing that the true determinant of whether an experience becomes traumatizing is not the event itself, but rather the individual’s subjective perception and ability to process what happened. This insight comes at a critical time, as mental health awareness grows in Thailand and globally, highlighting the importance of individualized support for those affected by trauma.

Traditionally, trauma has been linked directly to objectively severe events—violent assaults, natural disasters, serious accidents, or frontline combat. The prevailing assumption was that those who endured these “major” traumas were destined to suffer lasting psychological wounds like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, compelling new findings, as discussed in the latest analysis in Psychology Today, suggest a more nuanced reality: what makes an experience truly traumatizing is rooted in the brain’s ability—or inability—to process and adapt to the emotional impact of the event, regardless of its objective severity (Psychology Today).

As Thailand’s healthcare system modernises and more children with complex health needs survive and thrive, a crucial question is gaining prominence: are we truly supporting the parents who shoulder the day-to-day care of sick or disabled children—or could we be unintentionally making their burden heavier? Echoing concerns raised in a recent commentary by The Guardian, leading-edge research highlights that while the journey of parenting often appears communal, families dealing with illness or disability travel a far lonelier, more taxing road that requires nuanced support from society, healthcare providers, and government systems (The Guardian).

A new wave of scientific research is shedding light on the psychological and neurobiological roots of ideological extremism, revealing that certain mental traits may make people more susceptible to radical beliefs. According to recent findings discussed in Big Think, renowned researcher Dr. Leor Zmigrod, author of the book “The Ideological Brain,” has identified four principal psychological markers that correlate closely with extremist ideologies: cognitive rigidity, emotional volatility, differences in the amygdala, and structural traits within the prefrontal cortex.

Recent research and renewed public interest have brought “reparenting”—a therapeutic approach for healing emotional wounds from childhood—into the spotlight in Western psychological circles and increasingly in Thailand’s mental wellness community. As outlined in a recent article in The New York Times, reparenting has found a dedicated following on social media platforms, bookshelves, and in private counseling offices. This interest marks a significant shift in how both individuals and mental health professionals approach unresolved issues from early life, emphasizing stronger self-compassion and personal growth (The New York Times).

Many people find themselves trapped in a cycle of wondering whether they are “too much” or “not enough”—too sensitive, too quiet, not accomplished enough, not funny enough. Recent research and expert commentary indicate that this persistent sense of emotional limbo is both common and rooted in psychological mechanisms that can be understood and addressed. A recent article published by VegOut Mag captures the inner struggle: after an event or conversation, many people replay their words and actions, second-guessing themselves or feeling like outsiders who can never quite fit in. For Thai readers, who often face strong cultural norms around harmony and social acceptance, these findings have particularly powerful resonance.

A recent study published in The Journal of Social Psychology has revealed a provocative link between national narcissism and emotional impairments, echoing global worries about rising divisiveness and prejudice. Individuals exhibiting high national narcissism—an extreme form of national pride characterized by a hunger for recognition and hypersensitivity to criticism—show diminished ability to understand both their own and others’ emotions. The research also connects these emotional deficits to increased tendencies toward dehumanization, affecting perceptions of both outsiders and fellow citizens within their own nation (PsyPost).

Adopted teenagers navigate the world of romance and relationships in much the same way as their non-adopted peers, according to new research published recently. The study, highlighted by PsyPost, challenges longstanding assumptions about adoption and adolescent adjustment, offering reassurance to families and educators in Thailand and around the world.

This finding is of particular significance in Thailand, where societal attitudes towards adoption have slowly shifted but misconceptions persist. Parents and educators often worry that adopted youths may struggle emotionally or socially in ways that their non-adopted counterparts do not—especially in areas as complex as teenage love, dating, and intimacy.

A fresh wave of psychological research is offering valuable insights into why high-profile figures such as former US president Donald Trump—and other leaders with pronounced narcissistic traits—react so defensively, or even aggressively, when confronted with evidence of their own mistakes. Drawing on interviews, recent peer-reviewed studies, and organizational psychology, experts say these reactions are not just personality quirks, but reflect deeper dynamics in workplaces and governments worldwide—raising profound questions about power, accountability, and the future of leadership, including in Thailand’s evolving corporate, political, and academic environments.

A new wave of psychological research suggests that, contrary to long-held beliefs about the dangers of anger, engaging with feelings of rage—specifically in the form of revenge fantasies—can play a pivotal role in the emotional processing and recovery of trauma survivors. According to a recent article by a leading trauma therapist published in Psychology Today, such fantasies may help restore feelings of empowerment and catalyse deeper healing, provided they are approached safely and under professional guidance (psychologytoday.com).

In a fascinating turn for relationship sciences, new research has shed light on the specific facial features women notice first when evaluating a man’s attractiveness. Contrary to the prevailing idea that broad general impressions or stereotypically “obvious” features dominate initial attraction, evidence now points overwhelmingly to three key facial characteristics: the lips, jawline, and cheekbones. This revelation comes from a 2009 study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology and has been widely discussed in contemporary media, including recent analysis by YourTango and ScienceDaily (YourTango; ScienceDaily).

A thought-provoking new report published on July 6, 2025, by a leading behavioral expert in Psychology Today reveals that we are all born with certain innate dispositions—what the author calls “basic humanity”—and, as we grow, we learn to navigate or sometimes contradict these primal instincts. The research calls attention to the fundamental and often conflicting drives that shape us as humans and offers essential insights into how these inner tensions influence personal well-being and social behavior.

In a recent analysis published by Forbes, a psychologist has shed new light on the two dramatic extremes in the spectrum of romantic relationships—intensely obsessive love, known as love mania, and a debilitating fear of love itself, described as philophobia. These findings are shaping contemporary understanding of how individuals relate to intimacy, with wide-ranging implications for mental health professionals and everyday people alike (Forbes.com).

For Thai readers, where cultural ideals often emphasise harmonious relationships and filial piety, this research is a timely reminder that the psychological underpinnings of love can be as complex as they are universal. In a society that values family cohesion and long-term commitment, understanding the extremes of emotional attachment—and detachment—may offer important insights for navigating everything from romantic partnerships to friendship and kinship.

Talking to pets as if they are people may do more than entertain our furry friends — it could reflect and even strengthen vital emotional skills for their human companions, according to emerging research and expert analysis. As pet ownership grows steadily in Thailand and worldwide, scientists and psychologists are delving deeper into the social and psychological benefits of treating pets as conversational partners, with recent studies suggesting that these interactions are closely linked to seven distinct emotional strengths.

A new report spotlighting “time vampires”—those small but persistent inefficiencies that waste our daily hours—has revealed why so many Thais feel perennially busy despite advances in productivity tools and digital conveniences. The Psychology Today article “5 Time Vampires Everyone Should Watch Out For” written by a clinical psychologist, offers practical insights into how seemingly minor habits add up to a significant drain on our lives, a finding with deep resonance in Thai society where busyness is often equated with virtue.

More college students than ever before are choosing to major in psychology, drawn by the field’s versatility and its promise to help understand both themselves and others. Yet, as the latest research and economic data reveal, this boom comes with a significant financial catch for graduates. While the degree opens doors to a host of industries, the starting and mid-career salaries for psychology majors often lag behind those of peers in more specialized or technical disciplines—a tension now under scrutiny for both Thai and global students making career decisions in today’s changing economy (Newsweek/MSN).

A growing wave of psychological research and theory is turning the spotlight away from the individual mind and highlighting the profound impact of relationships on mental health. New arguments from the field of relational psychology challenge the traditional view that mental disorders are rooted solely within the individual, calling for a social and interpersonal understanding of mental wellbeing—a perspective with sweeping implications for how Thai society approaches mental health care.

A groundbreaking study has revealed that scents can fundamentally alter decision-making in mammals by forging indirect associations in the brain—findings that may pave the way for innovative treatments for mental health conditions in humans. The new research, conducted by a multidisciplinary team led by a doctoral student and supervised by a leading neuroscientist, used behavioral experiments in mice to explore how the brain’s response to smells influences future choices—offering important insights for both science and society.