#Selfesteem

Many Thais have pondered the question: “Am I just too sensitive?” after a seemingly minor remark leaves a lasting hurt. Recent psychological research reveals that heightened emotional sensitivity is both more common and complex than previously thought, with roots in biology, life experiences, and cultural dynamics—and it is not simply a matter of “overreacting” or lacking toughness, as Thai conventional wisdom sometimes suggests.

Highly sensitive individuals tend to dwell on minor social slights—a friend’s offhand joke, a family member’s sharp comment, or being overlooked in a conversation—well beyond what others might consider reasonable. According to a leading US-based professor emeritus in psychology and neuroscience, these moments sting deeply because they signal diminished relational value: “It conveys that I don’t have a whole lot of relational value to you,” this expert explained in a recent interview. “You don’t value your connection with me, because if you did, you’d treat me better than this.” Some people, according to this researcher, simply feel these upsets more keenly than others, lacking the ability to emotionally brush them off easily.

A growing body of research shows that emotional sensitivity is common and multifaceted. It stems from biology, life experiences, and cultural dynamics—and it is not simply “overreacting.” This belief persists in Thai families and workplaces, but experts say sensitivity is a normal variation in human temperament.

Highly sensitive people tend to linger on small social slights—like a friend’s offhand joke or a sharp remark. In interviews, a prominent psychology and neuroscience scholar explains that these moments sting because they signal lower relational value: “It conveys that I don’t have a whole lot of relational value to you.” Some individuals feel emotions more intensely and may struggle to brush them off.

Online dating has reshaped how people meet, but recent research shows its emotional footprint runs deeper than expected. Professionals describe practices like ghosting, breadcrumbing, and even fabricating details as increasingly common, contributing to fatigue for those seeking genuine connections. For Thai audiences, the takeaway is clear: digital courtship affects well-being as much as relationships themselves.

In Bangkok and Thailand’s urban centers, dating apps touch more than romance. They remove traditional social barriers while presenting fast-paced exchanges and selective messaging. In Thai online communities, terms such as ghosting (suddenly ending contact), breadcrumbing (sporadic attention to keep someone interested), and zombieing (reappearing after disappearance) have entered everyday conversations, signaling how love is discussed in the digital era.

Mobile dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and others have revolutionized how people initiate romantic or sexual connections, but experts now warn that these platforms are leaving a deeper emotional mark than many realize. According to the latest research and reporting, emotionally damaging behaviors like ghosting, breadcrumbing, and even the fabrication of personal information are increasingly prevalent online, causing growing psychological fatigue among users who seek genuine connections but find themselves navigating a minefield of manipulation and disappointment (El País).

A recent feature identifies eight common parenting habits that can quietly undermine a child’s confidence, even when parents mean well. Experts say everyday choices shape self-esteem, school performance, and resilience for years. For Thai families navigating rapid social and educational change, adopting supportive, evidence-based approaches matters more than ever.

Why this matters in Thailand: Self-confidence affects how children handle academic challenges, peer interactions, and mental well-being. As Thai society blends traditional values with modern parenting ideas, recognizing subtle pressure points helps caregivers foster a healthier sense of self-worth.

A recent report by the Times of India highlights eight common parenting habits that, while often rooted in good intentions, may actually erode a child’s confidence and self-esteem. This revelation has stirred renewed discussion among child development experts and parents globally, including in Thailand, about the importance of nurturing children’s sense of self-belief through supportive parenting approaches.

Understanding why this issue matters is essential for Thai families in a rapidly changing social and educational landscape. Children’s self-confidence not only influences their academic and social performance but also shapes their lifelong mental health and resilience. As Thai society increasingly embraces both traditional values and modern childrearing philosophies, recognizing the subtle ways parents can unintentionally harm their children’s confidence has taken on greater urgency.

In Thailand, many people wrestle with the feeling of being “too much” or “not enough.” Too sensitive, too quiet, not accomplished enough, not funny enough. Recent research and expert commentary show this emotional limbo is common and can be understood and addressed. This revised piece offers reassurance and practical steps tailored for Thai readers navigating cultural norms around harmony and social acceptance.

Thai society prizes social harmony, respect, and balancing personal expression with community expectations. The tension between wanting to stand out and fearing invisibility is a familiar struggle. The inner critic—labels like “too loud” or “not reserved enough”—often draws power from societal expectations and early experiences. In a culture that values collective well‑being and deference to authority, these internal standards can intensify self-doubt and shape behavior.

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 growing body of psychology research highlights eight subtle behaviors that signal insecurity, affecting wellbeing and relationships in Thai communities. The findings offer practical guidance for personal growth and for building supportive environments in Thai workplaces, schools, and families.

In psychology, insecurity means a persistent sense of inadequacy that quietly shapes thoughts, emotions, and actions. In Thailand, where social harmony and maintaining “face” matter, these patterns can show up in distinctive ways. Many people may not realize that their reactions to feedback, comparisons, or praise reveal a deeper struggle with self-worth.

A growing body of psychological research is helping decode the subtle yet significant behaviors that indicate deep-seated insecurity—often lurking beneath a surface of confidence or apparent indifference. According to a recent evidence-backed report, eight telltale signs can signal when someone is grappling with insecurity without even realizing it—a finding that holds implications not only for personal wellbeing but also for Thai workplaces, schools, and families.

Insecurity, as described by psychologists, refers to a persistent sense of inadequacy that unconsciously guides thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In Thailand, where the value of “face” and social harmony often shape daily interactions, these hidden patterns may take on distinctive forms and consequences. Many individuals believe they are merely being themselves, but their repeated ways of reacting to feedback, comparison, relationships, or praise can reflect a deeper struggle for self-worth.

A growing body of research shows that the fear of other people’s opinions, or FOPO, is more widespread than many assume. This mindset influences decisions, behavior, and well-being, especially in Thailand’s collectivist culture where community approval carries long-standing importance. FOPO operates differently in Thai society, where “face,” social harmony, and tight-knit communities have deep roots. In our digital era, this dynamic is intensified by online validation and public feedback.

FOPO means constantly scanning for cues of approval or disapproval. Clinicians describe it as an adaptation from humanity’s ancestral need to belong, now felt as a brain reaction to perceived judgments. Psychologist Michael Gervais notes that FOPO is marked by hypervigilance and social readiness, as people seek approval in everyday actions—from how a text is written to how a colleague reacts in a meeting.

A growing body of research suggests the simple act of worrying about what others think—now dubbed “FOPO” or Fear of People’s Opinions—is far more widespread than many believe, impacting individuals’ decision-making, behaviour, and well-being. FOPO, a term coined by psychologist Michael Gervais, is gaining global attention as experts, including therapists and mental health professionals, unpack how this subtle mindset is holding many back from living authentically—especially in collectivist societies such as Thailand, where community approval carries deep historical weight. The phenomenon, while present worldwide, takes on unique relevance in Thai society, which is traditionally anchored in the values of “face,” social harmony, and close-knit communities (HuffPost).

A new scientific study has shed light on a persistent challenge faced by those experiencing anxiety and depression: the tendency to underestimate their own abilities even when objective evidence shows they are correct. The research, published in the esteemed journal Nature Communications, suggests that while anxious and depressed individuals perform as well as their peers, they struggle to internalize moments of success, leaving them prone to chronic underconfidence. This discovery could have significant implications for mental health awareness and treatment approaches in Thailand, where stigma and underdiagnosis of mental health issues remain widespread.

A new study sheds light on a stubborn challenge for people with anxiety and depression: they often undervalue their own abilities even when evidence shows they are right. Published in Nature Communications, the research finds that anxious and depressed individuals perform as well as peers but struggle to internalize moments of success, fueling chronic underconfidence. This has important implications for mental health awareness and treatment in Thailand, where stigma and underdiagnosis remain concerns.

A groundbreaking study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging has revealed that testosterone significantly increases men’s sensitivity to social feedback, reshaping how they experience moment-to-moment self-esteem. The findings promise fresh insights for understanding self-worth, mental health, and social behavior, with potential implications for treatment approaches that resonate in Thai society and beyond (psypost.org).

A team of international scientists set out to unpack testosterone’s intricate role in influencing not just the overall sense of self-worth—what psychologists call “trait self-esteem”—but the more fleeting, variable feelings of self-value known as “state self-esteem.” The research matters deeply for Thai readers, as cultural norms around masculinity, social acceptance, and mental health coverage intersect with emerging scientific understanding, and because mental health struggles linked to low self-esteem, especially among young men, are increasingly noted across Thailand (WHO).

A new study in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging shows that testosterone makes young men more responsive to social feedback. Positive reactions boost self-esteem more, while negative feedback causes sharper declines. The research highlights how biology and social context interact to shape mood and behavior, with potential relevance for mental health strategies in Thailand.

Researchers recruited 120 healthy men aged 18–26 in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. After applying testosterone gel or a placebo, participants waited to reach peak hormone levels and then completed a realistic social-evaluation task. They crafted profiles that 184 supposed strangers would review, receiving a mix of approval, disapproval, and neutral feedback. In reality, feedback was pre-programmed to test responses to different social signals.

A groundbreaking study has found that testosterone intensifies young men’s emotional reactions to social approval and rejection, reshaping how moment-to-moment self-esteem is formed. The research, published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, sheds new light on the psychological effects of this hormone, offering insights relevant both to mental health treatment and to understanding male vulnerability to social evaluation (PsyPost).

This discovery matters for Thai readers because self-esteem and mental health issues, particularly among men, are pressing concerns in Thailand’s rapidly changing society. In a culture where social harmony and hierarchical relationships often play a central role, understanding how testosterone shapes self-confidence and social behavior may help families, educators, and healthcare professionals better support young Thai men facing emotional challenges.

A new study reveals that testosterone intensifies young men’s emotional responses to social approval and rejection, influencing how self-esteem fluctuates with daily interactions. Published findings in scientific journals highlight the nuanced role of biology in mood and social behavior, offering fresh angles for mental health treatment and youth support. In Thailand, where social harmony and hierarchical relationships shape everyday life, these insights are especially relevant for families, educators, and healthcare professionals guiding young men through emotional challenges.

Thailand finds itself at a crossroads of rapid social change: modern families are now grappling with questions of how best to raise children, as Western influences blend with longstanding Thai cultural traditions. A recent opinion published in The Guardian, penned by a grandparent observing the stark contrasts between parenting in Spain and the UK, has ignited fresh debate about “child-centred” parenting, a model increasingly popular across Thailand’s middle class. The writer argues that the Spanish “family-centred” approach nurtures happier, more grounded children compared to English-style “child-centredness,” which may inadvertently fuel anxiety and dependency. This raises urgent questions for Thai families—should we reconsider where the family, rather than the child, stands at the heart of our values?

Thailand stands at a pivotal moment as families navigate rapid social change. Western ideas about child-rearing have blended with enduring Thai traditions, prompting fresh questions about how to raise resilient children. A recent Guardian letter by a grandparent comparing Spain’s family-centred approach with the UK’s child-centred model has sparked renewed debate in Thai households about where the family’s priorities should lie.

The core message is simple: while kindness and respect toward children are essential, placing a child at the center of every decision can lead to anxiety and dependence. In Spain, the family unit takes precedence. From birth, children are expected to contribute to group harmony rather than assume they are the sole focus of attention. The author’s observations suggest Spanish children are generally more emotionally secure, with parents who feel less frustration. For Thai families, this raises a timely question: can we balance individual needs with the strength of a closely connected family?

A groundbreaking approach to sexual wellbeing is shifting the way individuals and communities, including those in Thailand, understand and support this vital aspect of health. According to emerging research highlighted in a recent Psychology Today article, sexual wellbeing extends far beyond physical satisfaction or sexual health. Instead, it encompasses a complex interplay of emotional, psychological, and relational factors that are now being recognised as central to a fulfilling intimate life.

For Thai readers, the importance of sexual wellbeing is often overshadowed by societal taboos and cultural expectations. In classrooms, the topic is frequently reduced to clinical or biological aspects of sex, leaving critical dimensions such as communication, respect, and emotional safety unexplored. Yet, as relationships, mental health concerns, and identity issues rise in visibility across Thailand, the nuances of sexual wellbeing have never been more relevant.

A new approach to sexual wellbeing is redefining how individuals and communities understand health, including in Thailand. Research shows that sexual wellbeing is not just about physical satisfaction or health. It involves emotional, psychological, and relational dimensions that together shape a fulfilling intimate life.

In Thailand, conversations about sexual wellbeing are often limited by taboos and cultural expectations. Class discussions tend to focus on biology, with less attention to communication, respect, and emotional safety. As relationships evolve and mental health concerns rise, understanding these dimensions becomes increasingly relevant for Thai readers.

A recent Guardian feature on talking to kids about body image has sparked renewed concern about body shaming and its impact on children worldwide, including in Thailand. With schoolyard taunts rising and social media intensifying appearance pressures, experts warn that how adults respond can shape a child’s mental health and relationship with their body for years to come.

Body image pressures are not new, but they feel sharper in the smartphone era. Data from the World Health Organization shows that nearly one in three children in Southeast Asia have faced weight-based teasing, contributing to anxiety, depression, and disordered eating later in life. In Thailand, studies over the last decade indicate rising rates of childhood obesity and eating disorders, underscoring the need for practical guidance.

A recent spotlight on children’s body image, highlighted by The Guardian’s feature “‘Mummy, Charlie called me fat today’: how to talk to kids about body image,” has reignited concern about how body shaming affects youngsters’ self-esteem worldwide—including here in Thailand. As schoolyard taunts become increasingly common and social media deepens pressure on appearance, experts stress that how adults respond can have profound implications for a child’s mental health and future relationship with their body.