#Psychology

A new article making waves online explores 11 subtle yet powerful indicators that a person was raised by a “high-quality parent”—those whose approach to parenting promotes not only emotional intelligence and confidence, but also an enduring sense of self-worth and resilience as children grow into adulthood. Drawing upon recent psychological research, the piece offers insights for Thai readers keen to reflect on their family experiences, or seeking to nurture similar strengths in the next generation (YourTango).

For many Thais, rejection—whether from friends, family, or colleagues—can feel like a sting, but for some, even the smallest slight feels devastating. This overwhelming emotional reaction, described as “rejection sensitive dysphoria” (RSD), is gaining attention thanks to social media, research, and a wave of first-person accounts. The latest article from The New York Times draws on real-life stories, clinical insight, and emerging science to examine a phenomenon seldom found in medical textbooks but increasingly recognized in the mental health community, including among younger generations in Thailand and worldwide (source: The New York Times).

A recently shared personal account by Jacob Skidmore, an Ohio-based TikTok creator diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), is igniting global and local conversations about stigma, mental health, and the reality of living with NPD. The story, covered by Newsweek and rapidly circulating on social media, highlights how individuals with this diagnosis face not only challenges from the disorder itself but also substantial social vilification and misunderstanding. For Thai readers, the viral nature of this discussion offers an opportunity to reflect on how mental health terminology and stigma play out both globally and in our own society.

The past five years have seen an alarming surge in anxiety among children and young adults, with mental health referrals for anxiety in youth in the UK more than doubling since 2019—from about 99,000 to over 204,000 cases annually (The Times). Yet as society scrambles to address this crisis in children, a critical—and less visible—public health problem is emerging right alongside it: children’s anxiety often triggers or worsens anxiety and distress in their parents, creating a ripple effect through families. Recent studies suggest it may be impossible to fully address childhood anxiety unless parents’ mental well-being is considered too.

A new wave of research challenges long-held beliefs about stress, revealing that not all stress is harmful and that the impact of stress—and how we should respond—depends on far more than we once imagined. As Thais increasingly grapple with work, family, and digital pressures, the latest scientific insights offer fresh hope—and practical strategies—for managing daily life (The Guardian).

Stress has long been cast as the villain in our health narratives, blamed for physical ills, emotional burnout, and even social collapse. Yet emerging evidence shows the story is far more nuanced, with researchers revealing that not only is some stress “good”—it’s necessary for human growth and resilience. For Thai readers bombarded by news of a ‘stress epidemic’, this signals a needed shift in public understanding and policy.

A growing number of people worldwide are opening up about their struggles not just with mental health, but with the very professionals meant to help them. Recent viral discussions, including a BuzzFeed article compiling stories of “terrible therapists,” are shining a harsh spotlight on problematic practices within the mental health industry (BuzzFeed). These personal accounts — ranging from therapists giving unsolicited advice to crossing ethical boundaries — are prompting experts and individuals alike to ask: how can we make sure mental health care is genuinely helpful, not harmful?

“Air hunger,” a symptom of anxiety often overshadowed by more widely recognized manifestations, is gaining attention for its profound impact on individuals’ mental health and daily functioning. Originating from a sense of being unable to fully breathe despite adequate oxygen availability, this condition is medically known as dyspnea but manifests starkly different when linked with anxiety disorders. This revelation is crucial as it sheds light on a facet of anxiety that many experience yet few understand by name.

In recent psychological discourse, the term “communal narcissism” has been gaining attention as researchers and mental health experts delve into understanding this intricate personality trait. Unlike the conventional narcissist associated with grandiosity and blatant self-promotion, communal narcissists cloak their self-serving motives behind a facade of altruism and community service. This emerging subtype of narcissism carries significant implications for how individuals engage with societal roles and humanitarian efforts, prompting a re-evaluation of seemingly benevolent behaviors.

In an era where altruism and humanitarian efforts are celebrated, it might be surprising to discover a type of narcissism that thrives under the guise of good deeds. Recently, the concept of ‘communal narcissism’ has gained attention for its unique characteristics. Unlike the stereotypical narcissist who is overtly arrogant and self-centered, communal narcissists often appear deeply invested in community and charity. However, their underlying motivation is attention rather than genuine concern for others, a trait confirmed by experts in psychology and behavior.

In an era where psychological terms often make their way into everyday conversations, the nuances between narcissism and sociopathy remain elusive to many. As explored in a recent Daily Mail article by Monique Rubins, psychologists are shedding light on key differences between these two complex personality disorders, guided by insights from experts like Dr. Ramani Durvasula and publications including Psychology Today and Very Well Mind.

Narcissism and sociopathy are both personality disorders, but as Dr. Ramani explains, they manifest distinctively despite some overlapping traits. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by traits such as low empathy, grandiosity, entitlement, and arrogance. Narcissists often seek admiration and struggle with superficiality, leading to behaviors like manipulation and gaslighting. These individuals can also be dismissive, controlling, and prone to passive-aggressive behaviors.

Recent studies and expert analyses have shed light on a lesser-known form of narcissism termed “communal narcissism.” Unlike the typical narcissist, who flaunts their personal successes and entitlement, communal narcissists are characterized by their apparent involvement in community and altruistic efforts. However, their primary motivation lies in the attention and recognition they receive as perceived “pillars” of the community.

Communal narcissism, as articulated by Hannah Alderete, a licensed mental health counselor, is a subtype where individuals appear deeply involved in community involvement but lack genuine empathy or care for others. They thrive on the validation and esteem garnered from portraying themselves as the most caring, helpful, or moral individuals within their community. This form of narcissism emerged from the work of social psychologist Jochen Gebauer and is noted for being less overt yet still driven by self-aggrandizing motives.

In the realm of psychological behaviors, a new archetype of narcissism challenges our perception of selflessness and charity. Known as “communal narcissism,” this variant diverts from the typical image of egocentric arrogance, revealing instead individuals deeply involved in community affairs, albeit with self-serving motivations. Defined by experts as those appearing altruistic and dedicated to humanitarian efforts, communal narcissists are eventually revealed to operate under the guise of goodwill to garner validation and admiration from their surroundings, making them harder to detect HuffPost.

Recent developments in the field of artificial intelligence have begun to reshape mental health care, a vital area where demand often outstrips supply. Groundbreaking research from Dartmouth College, as documented in the New England Journal of Medicine, indicates that AI-driven therapeutic bots can potentially offer mental health care on par with human clinicians. This revelation comes at a crucial time when the U.S. faces a critical shortage of mental health professionals.

Emerging research from the University of Notre Dame has unveiled compelling links between maintaining a steady gaze and enhancing performance across various tasks. The study, led by psychology professor Matthew Robison, builds on the observations made by writer John McPhee regarding basketball legend Bill Bradley, whose exceptional on-court performance was attributed to his visual acuity rather than physical prowess. This research offers new insights for both athletes and individuals engaged in mentally demanding activities.

In a study published recently in the International Journal of Psychophysiology, new insights have emerged into the link between narcissistic traits and physiological responses during conversations. Conducted by Emmi Koskinen and colleagues, the research examines how individuals with pronounced narcissistic traits display heightened physiological arousal, particularly when discussing experiences involving admiration from others. This intriguing discovery not only enriches our understanding of narcissism but also highlights nuances in interpersonal interactions that may resonate with many, including Thai readers familiar with the cultural nuances of social interactions.

A groundbreaking study executed by researchers at Yale University has revealed new insights into the enigmatic early life memory formation in infants. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the researchers have demonstrated that even in their first years of life, infants encode memories - potentially changing our understanding of cognitive development. This landmark study, recently published in Science on March 20, aligns with the growing interest in how human brains develop and the mysterious phenomenon of why individuals generally cannot recall memories from their infancy, a condition known as “infantile amnesia.”

For generations, the question of why vivid memories from our first few years of life elude us has perplexed both scientists and the general public. A groundbreaking study from Yale University offers fresh insights into the phenomenon of infantile amnesia, revealing that infants as young as 12 months can form memories. This challenges the long-held belief that our early years are a blank slate due to an underdeveloped brain. The study suggests that infantile amnesia may actually result from inability in memory retrieval, rather than failure to encode memories in the first place, marking a significant milestone in our understanding of human memory development (Sci.News).