Tag: Psychology

Indian Young Adults Rank Lowly in Mental Health Study

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A 2025 international mental health assessment by US-based Sapiens Lab placed Indian young adults (ages 18–34) at 60th out of 84 countries in overall mental well-being.

Read the article to know why the study indicates rising mental health concerns among this age group, emphasizing the need for enhanced support and accessible services worldwide.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-young-adults-rank-lowly-60th-in-84-nation-mental-health-study/articleshow/128831188.cms?

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “predominantly” mean? “Those at the bottom included Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the UK, and China, while countries with relatively better mind health were predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “aggregate” mean? “The mind health quotient is a metric that aggregates respondent ratings of 47 cognitive, social, and physical capacities and problems that enable or diminish our ability to function effectively.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “generational gap” mean? “The ‘Global Mind Health in 2025’ released Thursday by US-based Sapien Labs reveals not just a serious mental health crisis among young Indian adults, but also a profound generational gap, as older people enjoyed significantly better mental health scores.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think young adults in some countries struggle more with mental health than older generations?
  2. What factors (social media, job pressure, finances, family expectations) might affect young people’s mental well-being?
  3. Do you think mental health awareness has improved in your country? Why or why not?
  4. How can schools and workplaces better support young adults’ mental health?
  5. What personal habits or lifestyle changes can help improve mental well-being?

Risk-Taking in Young Chimpanzees and Teens Is Similar

B1 – Intermediate 

Teenagers want to try new and risky things. They think they have the freedom to do so because their parents or carers do not supervise them or tell them what to do as much as when they were little.

A research looks at the reason children and young chimpanzees take more risks.

Read the article about a research on how young chimpanzees’ thrill-seeking behavior is similar to that of human children.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2601/260115-risky-behaviour.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “supervise” mean? “She believes it is because they are at an age when parents supervise them less.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “old-fashioned” mean? “The website ScienceAlert said that “some anthropologists argue for increasing children’s access to thrill-seeking play, including the old-fashioned monkey bars, as a way to help them develop motor skills and skeletal strength”.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “thrill-seeking” mean? “The website ScienceAlert said that “some anthropologists argue for increasing children’s access to thrill-seeking play, including the old-fashioned monkey bars, as a way to help them develop motor skills and skeletal strength”.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “risk”?
  2. In your own words, explain why teenagers like taking risks.
  3. Do you agree or disagree that “Teenagers are well known for doing crazy things.”? Explain.
  4. Did you also have a risky behavior as a teenager? Talk about some crazy or risky things you did at that age.
  5. How can teenagers’ risky behavior be controlled?

A Space for Teen Boys to Speak Openly about Their Struggles

B2 – Upper Intermediate

At Oberlin High School in Ohio, educators have launched a groundbreaking program designed to help adolescent boys open up about their feelings. Recognizing that many teen boys struggle to express their emotions—reportedly only 38 % feel comfortable discussing mental health with friends—this initiative creates a safe space for discussion and reflection.

Watch the video and read the article to learn more about this school program called “Men’s Work”.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oberlin-ohio-high-school-unique-space-teen-boys-speak-openly-struggles

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is an “emotional roller coaster“? “I think boys, in particular, feel this emotional roller coaster, this push and pull, on the one hand, I’m hearing from media and news that I think men should be able to cry.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. Define “manosphere“. “The Men’s Work sessions are designed to discuss and challenge messaging from the “manosphere” that students like Santos Navarro, a senior at Oberlin High, are frequently exposed to online.” Make a sentence with this term.
  3. What does “to be drawn to someone/something” mean in this context?  “It’s one reason that some young men are drawn to social influencers collectively known as the “manosphere,”” Create a sentence using this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your personal reaction to this initiative? Would you support a program like this in your school?
  2. According to the article/video, what are some of the benefits boys experience from participating?
  3. How can schools create a safe space for boys to share their feelings?
  4. How can emotional literacy help students in their academic and personal lives?
  5. What do you think young boys/men in your country struggle with?
  6. Share your insights on what you believe it means to be a modern man.
  7. What are your thoughts about “manosphere”?

Main Character Energy

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

These days, there are many social media terminologies that shape how people express themselves, connect with others, and interpret the world around them. From catchy phrases to trending hashtags, these terms often reflect deeper ideas about identity, confidence, and belonging in the digital age. One such phrase centers around the idea of placing yourself at the heart of your own story embracing your experiences, choices, and presence as central to how your life unfolds.

Let’s read the article and find out more about how this idea influences self-image, mental health, and personal growth.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/un-numb/202508/what-does-main-character-energy-actually-mean?msockid=3e823237b7b86c5f2f8f21e1b6ac6ddf

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “on the verge of something” mean? “You’re always on the verge of cinematic transformation, with a deeply aesthetic sense of self, perfectly timed lighting, and a killer soundtrack.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. Define the phrase “algorithmic invisibility“. “It speaks to the desire to be seen, to feel visible and desirable in a culture shaped by algorithmic invisibility.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “coping strategy“. “In part, it’s affirmation. In part, a coping strategy. In part, it’s an online presence.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to mind when you hear the phrase ‘main character energy’?
  2. Who in your life gives off strong main character energy, and what makes them stand out?
  3. In what ways could embracing a ‘main character’ perspective help someone feel more confident or grounded?
  4. Do you think it’s important to see yourself as the main character sometimes? Why or why not?
  5. How do social media trends shape the way people express or perform main character energy?

Emotional Intelligence

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Emotional intelligence, often called EQ, is the ability to understand, manage, and express emotions effectively. It also involves recognizing and responding to the emotions of others. People with strong emotional intelligence can handle stress, communicate well, and build healthy relationships. In today’s world, EQ is just as important as IQ because it helps individuals succeed both personally and professionally.

Watch the video to know more and be able to answer the questions below.


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “discern” mean? “A person with high emotional intelligence can easily discern how others feel, even when they don’t say anything.” Use the word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms.
  2. What does the phrase “to align the heart with the head” mean? “Using Emotions is the ability to align our hearts with our heads.” Make one sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “correlate” mean? “Stress levels often correlate with how well a person manages their emotions.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think emotional intelligence is more important than academic intelligence in achieving success? Share your thoughts.
  2. Can emotional intelligence be learned, or is it something people are born with? What is your opinion?
  3. How can emotional intelligence help improve relationships at school or in the workplace?
  4. In what ways does emotional intelligence influence a person’s ability to handle stress and conflict?
  5. Peter Salovey concluded that “People in good moods are better at inductive reasoning and creative problem-solving.”. Why do you think this is?
  6. What are ways we can improve our EI? How do you try to improve yours?

The Psychology of Sharing Meals

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Eating together is one of the oldest human traditions and it’s about more than just food. Whether it’s a quiet dinner with family, a fun meal with friends, or lunch with coworkers, sharing meals helps us feel connected. Studies have also shows that eating with others builds trust, friendship, and emotional support.

Let’s read the article and learn how eating together can help us feel closer, build friendships, and feel part of a group in everyday life and different cultures.

https://www.cuculi.com/post/the-psychology-of-sharing-meals-more-than-just-eating-together

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “to break bread together” mean? “Breaking bread together is an age-old ritual, transcending mere sustenance to become a cornerstone of human interaction.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrase “deeply embedded” mean? “There’s a profound psychology behind shared meals, deeply embedded in our social fabric.“. Use it in your own sentence.
  3. Define the idiom “to open up“. “It’s a time when people are more likely to open up, share stories, and discuss ideas.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does communal dining do for you?
  2. How do shared meals help people feel seen, heard, or supported?
  3. What emotions do you associate with family meals or celebrations?
  4. What are some mealtime traditions in your culture that show care or respect?
  5. How do different cultures use food to build relationships or show hospitality?

Emoji Impacts Relationship Outcomes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Emojis aren’t just cute, they help couples feel closer. This is according to a new study that shows using emojis in messages can make romantic partners feel more connected and understood, even when they’re far apart.

Let’s review the findings to gain deeper insight into how emojis influence emotional connection.

https://phys.org/news/2025-07-emoji-impact-relationship-outcomes-reveals.html#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20emojis%20in%20text%20messaging%20improves,from%20the%20University%20of%20Texas%20at%20Austin,%20U.S.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “closeness” mean in this context, “The use of emojis in text messaging improves perceived responsiveness and thereby enhances closeness and relationship satisfaction.“? Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What does “to move beyond something” mean? “Despite these caveats, the experimental design of this research helps to isolate the effects of emoji use on friendship dynamics, moving beyond the correlational approaches that dominate much of the existing literature.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the verb “enrich” mean? “Defined as digital representations of emotions and ideas, emojis enrich text-based communication by conveying emotional nuance and increasing expressiveness.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on what the research reveals?
  2. Are you an emoji fan when you’re texting? Which ones do you reach for most?
  3. Do you think emojis bring extra meaning to messages? Why or why not?
  4. Are there certain emojis you avoid using—or can’t stand seeing?
  5. What’s your go-to method for keeping up with friends or family, and why?

The Pygmalion Effect

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Have you noticed that students with higher expectations placed upon them tend to rise higher in the school ranks? You’d think, those we expect to succeed must be smarter, more talented, and more skilled than the rest, right? But what if those people were just as average as everyone else? Would they still rise in the ranks?

The Pygmalion effect is a psychological phenomenon whereby higher expectations lead to higher performance.

To find out more about the power of expectations, watch the video below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “reinforce”. “The beliefs about themselves cause the other’s actions towards us which again reinforce our beliefs in that person.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “in return” mean? ” “Chris feels you appreciate him and he appreciates you in return.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “made-up” mean? “At the beginning of the school year, a group of elementary school teachers were told that some of their new pupils had extraordinary talent and potential. This information was completely made-up, was given about random average students in each class.” Use this expression to make your own sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think the Pygmalion effect is a positive or negative phenomenon? Share your thoughts.
  2. How do expectations shape our experiences and how can we manage them more effectively?
  3. How do you communicate your expectations to others in your workplace? How about to the people in your life?
  4. Talk about a time when your expectations were met.
  5. How about a situation when someone did not meet your expectations? How did you deal with it?

Dry Begging

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Not all requests in relationships sound like “Can you help me with this?” Sometimes, they slip out as offhand comments, exaggerated sighs, or quiet complaints. This subtle, often unconscious way of asking for support is known as dry begging — and many of us do it without even realizing.

Read on to understand what dry begging really is.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-is-dry-begging_l_6840a185e4b02322acee0907

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to hint at something” means? “If you feel lonely, consider how to ask your partner to spend more time with you instead of hinting at it.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “meant for the long haul” mean? “While it can feel easier than directly asking for what you want, dry begging really isn’t meant for the long haul.” Make a sentence with this idiom. Give a synonym.
  3. What’s the meaning of “the benefit of the doubt”? “It’s not always manipulative — it certainly can be — but I like to give people the benefit of the doubt.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think people rely on indirect communication like dry begging, even when it often leads to misunderstandings?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of expressing needs indirectly versus directly? Can indirect communication ever be effective?
  3. How would you handle it if you noticed a friend or partner was dry begging for your attention or help?
  4. What’s your opinion on this statement: “You can’t fix a behavior if you don’t know it exists.”?

AI Therapists Alternative to Human Help

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many people use AI chatbots for mental health support while waiting for therapy. These chatbots offer 24/7 help and coping strategies, which some find comforting during tough times.

However, experts warn chatbots can give biased or harmful advice and cannot replace human therapists. Despite this, NHS services use chatbots to help with long waiting lists.

Let’s read the article learn more about how AI chatbots support mental health.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ced2ywg7246o

Listen to the article here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0lc755g

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to clutch at straws” mean? “There is not a lot of help out there at the moment, so you clutch at straws.“ Use it in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
  2. What is a “stopgap”? “[It] is a stop gap to these huge waiting lists… to get people a tool while they are waiting to talk to a healthcare professional.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What is an “escalation pathway”? “It has in-built crisis and escalation pathways whereby users are signposted to helplines or can send for help directly if they show signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to the idea of using AI chatbots as mental health support tools? Do you think they can genuinely help people?
  2. . What are the pros and cons of relying on chatbots like Wysa or Character.ai during a mental health crisis?
  3. Have you or someone you know ever used an AI chatbot for emotional or psychological support? What was the experience like?
  4. Do you agree with the article’s view that chatbots may work as a stopgap but cannot replace real therapists? Why or why not?
  5. What safeguards do you think should be in place to protect users who turn to AI for mental health support?
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “The fact that this is not a real person is so much easier to handle.“.