#Psychology

Why do people so often comply with authority—even when orders contradict their conscience? New neuroscience research is beginning to provide concrete answers to this age-old question, illuminating the brain mechanisms that drive obedience and the social pressures that can make compliance nearly automatic. Drawing upon insights from the recent feature, “Why We Follow Orders: The Neuroscience of Compliance and Control” in Skeptic magazine, this report examines what scientists have uncovered, why these findings matter in everyday Thai life, and what we can do to foster greater ethical autonomy.

A growing number of parents are finding themselves overwhelmed and exhausted by the search for the “right” therapist for their children—especially for conditions like ADHD, where behavioral outbursts can create urgent family stress. This was the central story in a recent episode of Slate’s “Care and Feeding” parenting podcast, where hosts responded to a mother tired by seemingly endless therapy trials and the ongoing struggle to find support for her daughter’s behavioral needs. Her dilemma reflects a wider phenomenon now drawing attention in new research and news: ‘therapy shopping’—the often stressful, confusing, and time-consuming search for effective mental health care—is exacting a heavy toll on families everywhere (Slate Podcast).

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).

A rising article highlights 11 subtle indicators of “high-quality parenting”—an approach that fosters emotional intelligence, confidence, and lasting resilience as children grow into adults. Grounded in recent psychology, the piece offers insights for Thai readers eager to reflect on family experiences or nurture similar strengths in the next generation.

In Thailand, academic pressures and social expectations can overshadow softer traits of upbringing. Yet many families still value ความเคารพ (respect) and กตัญญู (filial piety). There is growing recognition that warmth, open dialogue, and emotional development are essential for long-term success, supported by recent psychological work conducted worldwide and echoed in Thailand’s evolving family conversations.

Rejection can sting for anyone, but some people react as if every slight is deadly. This phenomenon, known as rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD), has gained prominence through social media, evolving research, and personal accounts. A recent feature in a leading international publication uses real stories, clinical insight, and emerging science to explore a condition not yet common in medical textbooks but increasingly discussed by mental health professionals worldwide, including among Thai youths.

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.

A surge in anxiety among children and teens has surprised many health professionals in recent years. In the UK, mental health referrals for youth anxiety more than doubled since 2019, rising from about 99,000 to over 204,000 cases annually. This trend underscores a broader reality: children’s anxiety often triggers or worsens distress in their parents, creating a ripple effect through families. Emerging studies suggest that addressing childhood anxiety requires also tending to parental well-being.

A recent personal account shared by Jacob Skidmore, an Ohio-based TikTok creator diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), is fueling conversations about stigma, mental health, and living with NPD. The story, picked up by Newsweek and widely circulated online, highlights not only the challenges of the disorder but also the social backlash and misunderstanding that can accompany it. For Thai readers, the viral discussion offers an opportunity to examine how mental health language and stigma operate both globally and in Thai 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.

New research is challenging the idea that all stress is harmful. For Thais juggling work, family, and digital demands, these insights offer both clarity and practical strategies to navigate daily life.

Across workplaces and homes, stress has long been blamed for health problems and burnout. Fresh findings reveal a more nuanced picture: some stress can actually support growth and resilience. This shifts public conversations in Thailand toward balanced approaches to stress management.

A growing global conversation about mental health is increasingly focusing on the professionals who provide care. Viral discussions about “terrible therapists” highlight problematic practices and raise questions about how to ensure therapy is supportive, ethical, and effective.

In Thailand, interest in counseling is rising, yet stigma and shortages of trained professionals persist. The Ministry of Public Health reports more Thais seeking mental health support in urban areas and among youth. However, the quality of care varies widely. Social media conversations and stories from Thai users mirror global concerns, with some individuals describing disengagement, judgment, or breaches of confidentiality by therapists.

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.

A newer thread in psychology examines “communal narcissism,” where people appear deeply involved in community work yet chase recognition. Unlike the classic image of a grandiose ego, communal narcissists mask self-interest with acts of service, challenging assumptions about benevolence in public life.

In this concept, individuals invest effort in charity and civic projects, but their primary aim is admiration and status. While they may seem like ideal community pillars, experts note that the motivation is the attention they receive for being helpful rather than a steadfast commitment to the cause. Thai observers may recognize similar patterns where visible volunteering is court for public praise rather than sustained impact.

Air hunger is a lesser-known anxiety symptom that can quietly disrupt daily routines. It describes the feeling of not getting enough air even when oxygen levels are normal. Medically, this condition relates to dyspnea, but its link to anxiety makes the sensation distinct and more complex. Recognizing air hunger helps people understand a frustrating, often misunderstood experience.

For readers in Thailand, the message resonates amid Bangkok’s fast pace and air quality challenges. Stress can trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response, a familiar concept for those facing exams, presentations, or high-pressure work. In modern life, this reflex can overshoot, contributing to episodes of air hunger rather than protecting us.

A new form of self-importance is gaining attention: communal narcissism. Unlike the flashy, self-centered stereotype, communal narcissists project themselves as champions of the community and benevolence. Yet experts say their motivation is to attract praise and status, not true concern for others.

Researchers identify communal narcissism with a person who presents themselves as the community’s backbone. The aim is to gain validation and esteem from others. As a leading psychology professor explains, this type of narcissism wears a mask of moral virtue, turning acts of kindness into a vehicle for personal prestige.

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.

Communal narcissism is a subtle form of self-interest dressed as selfless community work. In this pattern, individuals appear deeply involved in volunteer efforts and charitable causes, yet their main aim is to gain attention and admiration as the community’s “pillar.”

Experts describe communal narcissism as a subtype where genuine empathy is lacking. The motivation centers on public validation and the esteem that comes with portraying oneself as exceptionally caring and moral. This concept builds on the work of social psychologist Jochen Gebauer and is further explored by researchers who note its less overt, yet still self-promoting, nature.

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.

A new form of narcissism challenges how we view charity and public service. Known as communal narcissism, this behavior features individuals who appear deeply involved in community life but are driven by a hunger for validation and admiration. They may lead food drives or manage neighborhood projects, yet their primary aim is to bolster their own standing rather than serve others. This nuanced guise makes them harder to spot, especially in leadership roles within charitable efforts.