The effect of chronic stress on learning orientation: A Thailand case study

This study examines the effect of chronic stress on learning orientation. In particular, the study focuses on employees (N = 158) and university students (N = 123) in the Kingdom of Thailand. Due in part to the long-lasting world-wide recession, the American psychological association has found that there has been a sharp spike in individual chronic stress levels over the past 5 years. It is well known that high stress impairs one's ability to learn and thus reduces motivation. However, the results of this study show that Thais may be unique as chronic stress was not found to significantly impact learning orientation. Thais have previously been given the title of the master's of relaxation and typically adapt to change with an easy-going attitude. The findings suggest that adopting characteristics of Thai culture would help to negate the impact of stress on learning orientation.