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This Might Help
Dr Ciara Hart and Dr Lauren Rossetti
24 episodes
3 days ago
A podcast bridging the gap between evidence-based psychology research and your everyday life, hosted by Psychologists Dr Ciara Hart and Dr Lauren Rossetti.
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Mental Health
Health & Fitness
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All content for This Might Help is the property of Dr Ciara Hart and Dr Lauren Rossetti and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
A podcast bridging the gap between evidence-based psychology research and your everyday life, hosted by Psychologists Dr Ciara Hart and Dr Lauren Rossetti.
Show more...
Mental Health
Health & Fitness
Episodes (20/24)
This Might Help
Milestone Anxiety: Why Do I Feel Behind in Life?

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.

This episode is a deep dive into "milestone anxiety" - that feeling and worry you get about being "behind" in life, or when you get stuck comparing yourself to other people's life milestones. We unpack what this is, what the signs of milestone anxiety are and what we can do about it!

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

Some of the resources we chat about in this episode:

Relate (2022). ‘Milestone Anxiety’ on the rise among millennials and Gen Z. ‘Milestone anxiety’ on the rise among millennials and Gen Z | Relate

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/not-where-i-want-to-be-in-life/202301/i-am-just-not-where-i-want-to-be-in-life

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - ⁠https://www.beyondblue.org.au⁠ 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - ⁠https://988lifeline.org/get-help/⁠ 13 11 14 

Headspace - ⁠https://headspace.org.au⁠ 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

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3 days ago
34 minutes 19 seconds

This Might Help
Your Psychology Questions Answered

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.

In this week's episode, we answer audience questions about careers in psychology, including tips for master's and honours' applications, what experience we gained during our training and how to incorporate self-care during psychology degrees.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast⁠


See more about Australian psychology pathways here:

https://psychology.org.au/psychology/careers-and-studying-psychology/studying-psychology/study-pathways


Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - ⁠https://www.beyondblue.org.au⁠ 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - ⁠https://988lifeline.org/get-help/⁠ 13 11 14 

Headspace - ⁠https://headspace.org.au⁠ 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

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1 week ago
50 minutes 56 seconds

This Might Help
"Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?" Explained by Two Psychologists

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.

This week's episode is a deep dive into the viral Vogue article, "Is having a boyfriend embarrassing now?" by Chante Joseph. We touch on the psychology and research around being single and how this has shifted in recent years.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

Vogue article:

https://www.vogue.com.au/culture/features/is-having-a-boyfriend-embarrassing-now/news-story/f4e2983a68387697a37df1579508b791

Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

Dupuis, H. E., & Girme, Y. U. (2023). “Cat Ladies” and “Mama’s Boys”: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Gendered Discrimination and Stereotypes of Single Women and Single Men. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 50(2), 314-328. https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672231203123 (Original work published 2024)

Girme, Y. U., Sibley, C. G., Hadden, B. W., Schmitt, M. T., & Hunger, J. M. (2021). Unsupported and Stigmatized? The Association Between Relationship Status and Well-Being Is Mediated by Social Support and Social Discrimination. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 13(2), 425-435. https://doi.org/10.1177/19485506211030102 (Original work published 2022)

Gonzalez Avilés, T., Bühler, J. L., Brandt, N. D., & Neyer, F. J. (2024). Today’s Adolescents Are More Satisfied With Being Single: Findings From a German Cohort-Sequential Study Among 14- to 40-Year-Olds. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 51(12), 2461-2475. https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672241257139 (Original work published 2025)

Hoan, E., & MacDonald, G. (2024). “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves”: Gender Differences in Singles’ Well-Being. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 16(6), 610-619. https://doi.org/10.1177/19485506241287960 (Original work published 2025)

Tessler, H., Choi, M., & Kao, G. (2024). Love as a Low Priority: Gender and Relationship History Differences in Singles’ Value of Romantic Partnership. Social Currents, 11(6), 479-492. https://doi.org/10.1177/23294965241240781 (Original work published 2024)

Stronge, S., Overall, N. C., & Sibley, C. G. (2019). Gender differences in the associations between relationship status, social support, and wellbeing. Journal of Family Psychology, 33(7), 819–829. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000540

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - ⁠https://www.beyondblue.org.au⁠ 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - ⁠https://988lifeline.org/get-help/⁠ 13 11 14 

Headspace - ⁠https://headspace.org.au⁠ 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

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2 weeks ago
31 minutes 19 seconds

This Might Help
The Reality of Becoming a Psychologist

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.

This week's episode is all about our journey to becoming psychologists. We talk about what we studied, how long it took, the research we have done and how our careers look now. It's a dive into the ups, downs and very long pathway here.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast


See more about Australian psychology pathways here:

https://psychology.org.au/psychology/careers-and-studying-psychology/studying-psychology/study-pathways


Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

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3 weeks ago
48 minutes 25 seconds

This Might Help
Understanding Your Anxious Mind

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help

This week's episode is all about anxiety, what happens when we get anxious, and how we can calm down our bodies and minds during times of high stress.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

Kasturi, S., Oguoma, V. M., Grant, J. B., Niyonsenga, T., & Mohanty, I. (2023). Prevalence Rates of Depression and Anxiety among Young Rural and Urban Australians: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(1), 800. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010800

https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/overview/prevalence-and-impact-of-mental-illness

Some additional resources can be found here:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strategies

https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/anxiety/

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

Show more...
1 month ago
56 minutes 33 seconds

This Might Help
The Psychology of Procrastination

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.

In this week's episode, we unpack the psychology of procrastination, including why we procrastinate and how we can work to break this cycle.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast⁠

Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

Herzog-Krzywoszanska, R., Krzywoszanski, L. & Kargul, B. General procrastination and bedtime procrastination as serial mediators of the relationship between temporal perspective and sleep outcomes. Sci Rep 14, 31175 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-82523-3

Rezaei-Gazki, P., Ilaghi, M. & Masoumian, N. The triangle of anxiety, perfectionism, and academic procrastination: exploring the correlates in medical and dental students. BMC Med Educ 24, 181 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05145-3

Sirois, F. M., & Pychyl, T. A. (2013). Procrastination and the priority of short-term mood regulation: Consequences for future self. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 7(2), 115-127. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12011

Sirois, F. M. (2013). Procrastination and Stress: Exploring the Role of Self-compassion. Self and Identity, 13(2), 128–145. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2013.763404

Zhang, P.Y., Ma, W.J. Temporal discounting predicts procrastination in the real world. Sci Rep 14, 14642 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-65110-4

Some additional resources can be found here:

https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/procrastinate

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dont-delay/201607/procrastination-101-its-not-about-feeling-it

https://www.procrastination.ca/

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - ⁠https://www.beyondblue.org.au⁠ 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - ⁠https://988lifeline.org/get-help/⁠ 13 11 14 

Headspace - ⁠https://headspace.org.au⁠ 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

Show more...
1 month ago
44 minutes 53 seconds

This Might Help
How to Manage Conflict and Have Difficult Conversations

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.

In this week's episode, we talk all about confrontation and dealing with conflict.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

Trifan TA, Meeus W and Branje S (2024) The dimensionality of the Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory across age and relationships. Front. Psychol. 15:1233279. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1233279

Mandal, E., & Lip, M. (2022). Mindfulness, relationship quality, and conflict resolution strategies used by partners in close relationships. Current issues in personality psychology, 10(2), 135–146. https://doi.org/10.5114/cipp.2021.111981

Bogacz, F., Pun, T. & Klimecki, O.M. Improved conflict resolution in romantic couples in mediation compared to negotiation. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 7, 131 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-020-00622-8

Some additional resources can be found here:

https://www.relationshipswa.org.au/Tip-sheets/Managing-Conflict

https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Asserting_Yourself_Updated_Edition.html?id=BsXWDgAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

Show more...
1 month ago
50 minutes 30 seconds

This Might Help
Let's Talk About Body Image

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.

On this week's episode, we open up a discussion about body image, how body image has changed over time and what shapes our relationship with our body image. This can be a challenging topic, so please seek out the resources linked below if you need any further support.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

https://butterfly.org.au/get-involved/campaigns/youthsurveyfindings/

Griffiths, S., Harris, E., Whitehead, G., Angelopoulos, F., Stone, B., Grey, W., & Dennis, S. (2024). Does TikTok contribute to eating disorders? A comparison of the TikTok algorithms belonging to individuals with eating disorders versus healthy controls. Body Image, 51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101807

van den Berg, P., Thompson, J. K., Obremski-Brandon, K., & Coovert, M. (2002). The Tripartite Influence model of body image and eating disturbance: a covariance structure modeling investigation testing the mediational role of appearance comparison. Journal of psychosomatic research, 53(5), 1007–1020. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3999(02)00499-3

Some additional resources can be found here:

Butterfly Foundation helpline: 1800 33 4673

https://insideoutinstitute.org.au

https://eatingdisorders.org.au/biedaw-2025/

https://butterfly.org.au/positive-body-image-navigating-the-terms/

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/03/business/tiktok-skinnytok-ban.html?searchResultPosition=1

https://butterfly.org.au/body-image/boosting-body-image/

https://butterfly.org.au/news/more-than-90-of-young-people-in-australia-have-some-concern-about-their-body-image/

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

Show more...
1 month ago
36 minutes 45 seconds

This Might Help
Why Being Bored Is Good For Your Mental Health

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.

On today's show, we're talking all about boredom and why we need to let our minds wander. We're also unpacking why tech, and our phones in particular, are making this so much harder.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

Article we mention in detail: Tam, K., & Inzlicht, M. People are increasingly bored in our digital age. Communications Psychology, 2, 106 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44271-024-00155-9

Mann, S., & Cadman, R. (2014). Does being bored make us more creative? Creativity Research Journal, 26(2), 165-173. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2014.901073

Mooneyham, B. W., & Schooler, J. W. (2013). The costs and benefits of mind-wandering: A review. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology, 67(1), 11-18. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031569

Tariq, I., Shahzadi, I., Waheed, A., & Riaz, S. (2025). Effect of digital detoxification on psychological well-being: A newer health and wellness trend in the current era. Contemporary Journal of Social Science Review, 3(2), 62.

Westgate, E. C., & Wilson, T. D. (2018). Boring thoughts and bored minds: The MAC model of boredom and cognitive engagement. Psychological Review, 125(5), 689-713. https://doi.org/10.1037/rev0000097

Some additional resources can be found here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/03/well/boredom-inspiration-mindfulness.html

If you or a loved one needs further support, we strongly encourage you to speak with your GP, psychologist, or another qualified healthcare professional.

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

Show more...
1 month ago
54 minutes 33 seconds

This Might Help
How To Stop Worrying About Things You Can't Control

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help

In this week's episode we explore the circle of control, a simple but powerful framework that can shift worry and help us to handle stress.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

Arslan, C., DilmAç, B., & Hamarta, E. (2009). Coping with stress and trait anxiety in terms of locus of control: A study with Turkish university students. Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal, 37(6), 791-800. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2009.37.6.791

Cheng, C., Lau, H. P. B., & Chan, M. P. S. (2014). Coping flexibility and psychological adjustment to stressful life changes: A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 140(6), 1582-1607. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037913

Fielder, D., & Steinbeis, N. (2024). Sense of control buffers against stress. eLife. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.105025

Li, W., Zhao, Z., Chen, D., Kwan, M.-P., & Tse, L. A. (2025). Association of health locus of control with anxiety and depression and mediating roles of health risk behaviors among college students. Scientific Reports, 15, 7565. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-91522-x

Some additional resources can be found here:

https://positivepsychology.com/circles-of-influence/

Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 habits of highly effective people: Powerful lessons in personal change. Free Press.

If you or a loved one needs further support, we strongly encourage you to speak with your GP, psychologist, or another qualified healthcare professional.

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

Show more...
2 months ago
45 minutes 29 seconds

This Might Help
How to Build Confidence

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help

Today's show is all about confidence! We chat about the psychology and science behind confidence, what shapes our confidence, and how we can cultivate more of it in our daily lives.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

The Women's Confidence report: https://womensconfidence.report/

Block, J., & Robins, R. W. (1993). A Longitudinal Study of Consistency and Change in Self-Esteem from Early Adolescence to Early Adulthood. Child Development, 64(3), 909–923. https://doi.org/10.2307/1131226

Oosthuizen, R.M. (2020). Resilience to Emotional Distress in Response to Failure, Error or Mistakes: A Positive Psychology Review. In: Vanderheiden, E., Mayer, CH. (eds) Mistakes, Errors and Failures across Cultures. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-35574-6_12

Some additional resources can be found here:

The Confidence Gap by Dr Russ Harris: https://www.actmindfully.com.au/product/the-confidence-gap/

TedEd video on confidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_NYrWqUR40

Article about power posing study: https://www.npr.org/2016/10/01/496093672/power-poses-co-author-i-do-not-believe-the-effects-are-real


If you or a loved one needs further support, we strongly encourage you to speak with your GP, psychologist, or another qualified healthcare professional.

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

Show more...
2 months ago
43 minutes 35 seconds

This Might Help
Play Your Way to Better Mental Health

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help

On today's show, we discuss the power of play! We chat all about why keeping play and fun as a core part of your life as an adult is just as important as play for kids. Play is foundational for supporting our mental health and wellbeing, and we discuss strategies to integrate more play into your day.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast


Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

Pressman, S. D., Matthews, K. A., Cohen, S., Martire, L. M., Scheier, M., Baum, A., & Schulz, R. (2009). Association of enjoyable leisure activities with psychological and physical well-being. Psychosomatic medicine, 71(7), 725-732.

Proyer, R. T. (2013). The well-being of playful adults: Adult playfulness, subjective well-being, physical well-being, and the pursuit of enjoyable activities. The European Journal of Humour Research, 1(1), 84-98.

Proyer, R. T. (2017). A new structural model for the study of adult playfulness: Assessment and exploration of an understudied individual differences variable. Personality and Individual Differences, 108, 113-122.


Some additional resources can be found here:

https://nifplay.org/

Play personality quiz: https://lindsaybraman.com/adult-play-styles/

The power of fun: how to feel alive again by Catherine Price


If you or a loved one needs further support, we strongly encourage you to speak with your GP, psychologist, or another qualified healthcare professional.

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

Show more...
2 months ago
33 minutes 25 seconds

This Might Help
Decision Fatigue: Why Too Many Choices Are Exhausting

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help

In today's episode, we dive into the science of decisions and the strategies that can take your brain back from the brink of the decision threshold. We talk about why the increasing number of choices we have might not always be a good thing.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

Danziger, S., Levav, J., & Avnaim-Pesso, L. (2011). Extraneous factors in judicial decisions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(17), 6889–6892. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1018033108

Pignatiello, G. A., Martin, R. J. & Hickman, R. L. Decision fatigue: a conceptual analysis. J. Health Psychol. 25, 123–135 (2020).

Barry Schwartz. (2004). The Paradox Of Choice: Why More Is Less.
https://works.swarthmore.edu/fac-psychology/198

Some additional resources can be found here:

Barry Schwartz's TED Video speaking to the paradox of choice: https://youtu.be/VO6XEQIsCoM?si=sVdMA_e8wGSuLeEn

TEDed Resource on making decisions: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-to-make-smart-decisions-more-easily

American Medical Association article on making decisions: https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/behavioral-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-decision-fatigue

If you or a loved one needs further support, we strongly encourage you to speak with your GP, psychologist, or another qualified healthcare professional.

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

Show more...
2 months ago
41 minutes 17 seconds

This Might Help
A Grateful State of Mind

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help

On today's show, we talk all about being grateful and why gratitude is a game-changer for our outlook on life. We unpack what gratitude is and the science behind why implementing a gratitude practice is good for your mental health, and how to do this (based on the research).

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠ and TikTok

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

Diniz G, Korkes L, Tristão LS, Pelegrini R, Bellodi PL, Bernardo WM. The effects of gratitude interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2023 Aug 11;21:eRW0371. doi: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2023RW0371. PMID: 37585888; PMCID: PMC10393216.

Kini P, Wong J, McInnis S, Gabana N, Brown JW. The effects of gratitude expression on neural activity. Neuroimage. 2016 Mar;128:1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.12.040. Epub 2015 Dec 30. PMID: 26746580.

Sansone RA, Sansone LA. Gratitude and well being: the benefits of appreciation. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2010 Nov;7(11):18-22. PMID: 21191529; PMCID: PMC3010965.

Some additional resources can be found here:

Berkeley Greater Good Science Center resources on gratitude

TEDEd Video on happiness (and gratitude)

If you or a loved one needs further support, we strongly encourage you to speak with your GP, psychologist, or another qualified healthcare professional.

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

Show more...
3 months ago
35 minutes 41 seconds

This Might Help
How To Focus When Everything Distracts You

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help

On today's show, we discuss focus and distraction, and why it is harder than ever to pay attention.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠ and TikTok

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

Posner, M. I., & Petersen, S. E. (1990). The attention system of the human brain. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 13(1), 25–42.

Petersen SE, Posner MI. The attention system of the human brain: 20 years after. Annu Rev Neurosci. 2012;35:73-89. doi: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-062111-150525. Epub 2012 Apr 12. PMID: 22524787; PMCID: PMC3413263.

Kim, A. J., Chen, K., & Mather, M. (2025). The effects of mindfulness meditation on mechanisms of attentional control in young and older adults: A preregistered eye tracking study. eNeuro, 12(7).

Zainal NH, Newman MG. Mindfulness enhances cognitive functioning: a meta-analysis of 111 randomized controlled trials. Health Psychol Rev. 2024 Jun;18(2):369-395. doi: 10.1080/17437199.2023.2248222. Epub 2023 Aug 30. PMID: 37578065; PMCID: PMC10902202.

A range of Professor Gloria Mark's work can be found here: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=e4chyYQAAAAJ&hl=en

Some additional resources can be found here:

Podcast - Speaking of Psychology: Why our attention spans are shrinking, with Gloria Mark, PhD https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/attention-spans

Book - Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity by Professor Gloria Mark

The selective attention test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo

If you or a loved one needs further support, we strongly encourage you to speak with your GP, psychologist, or another qualified healthcare professional.

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

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3 months ago
50 minutes 6 seconds

This Might Help
The Psychology of Self-Care

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help

Today's episode is all about self-care. What self-care actually is from the psychological perspective, and why boundary setting is key to establishing self-care in your life.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

El-Osta, A., Webber, D., Gnani, S., Banarsee, R., Mummery, D., Majeed, A., & Smith, P. (2019). The Self-Care Matrix: A Unifying Framework for Self-Care.

Esch, T., & Stefano, G. B. (2022). The BERN Framework of Mind-Body Medicine: Integrating Self-Care, Health Promotion, Resilience, and Applied Neuroscience. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 16, 913573. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2022.913573

Martínez N, Connelly CD, Pérez A, Calero P. Self-care: A concept analysis. Int J Nurs Sci. 2021 Sep 5;8(4):418-425. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2021.08.007. PMID: 34631992; PMCID: PMC8488814.

WHO guideline on self-care interventions for health and well-being, 2022 revision. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240052192

Some additional resources can be found here:

Headspace article: https://www.headspace.com/mindfulness/self-care-ideas

If you or a loved one needs further support, we strongly encourage you to speak with your GP, psychologist, or another qualified healthcare professional.

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

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3 months ago
38 minutes 32 seconds

This Might Help
Good Mates, Better Mental Health

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help

On today's show, we discuss friendship and why friends are so important for our mental health and well-being. We also chat about how to deepen existing friendships and ways to make new friends at any age!

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

Alsarrani, A., Hunter, R., Dunne, L., & Garcia, L. (2022). Association between friendship quality and subjective wellbeing among adolescents: a systematic review. BMC Public Health, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14776-4.

Narr, R., Allen, J., Tan, J., & Loeb, E. (2019). Close Friendship Strength and Broader Peer Group Desirability as Differential Predictors of Adult Mental Health.. Child development, 90 1, 298-313. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12905.

Schwartz-Mette, R., Shankman, J., Dueweke, A., Borowski, S., & Rose, A. (2020). Relations of friendship experiences with depressive symptoms and loneliness in childhood and adolescence: A meta-analytic review.. Psychological bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000239.

Some additional resources can be found here:

  • Ted-Ed: 'How some friendships last - and others don’t - Iseult Gillespie' - https://youtu.be/kOVdiDUlNsg?si=cEt7bxrJZGcJYz_n
  • Life Kit podcast: 'A friendship expert shares the science of making and keeping friends' with Psychologist Marisa Franco - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/a-friendship-expert-shares-the-science-of/id1461493560?i=1000579272615


If you or a loved one needs further support, we strongly encourage you to speak with your GP, psychologist, or another qualified healthcare professional.

Additional support can be found through:

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

Show more...
3 months ago
41 minutes 9 seconds

This Might Help
How Better Sleep Transforms Your Mental Health

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help

On today's show, we dive into all things sleep. We unpack what happens in our brain and body when we sleep, how sleep affects our mental health, wellbeing, memory and learning and what we can do about poor sleep.

You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠

The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

Abel, T., Havekes, R., Saletin, J., & Walker, M. (2013). Sleep, Plasticity and Memory from Molecules to Whole-Brain Networks. Current Biology, 23, R774-R788. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2013.07.025.

Goldstein, A., & Walker, M. (2014). The role of sleep in emotional brain function.. Annual review of clinical psychology, 10, 679-708. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-032813-153716.

Rasch, B., & Born, J. (2013). About sleep's role in memory.. Physiological reviews, 93 2, 681-766. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00032.2012.

Zielinski, M., McKenna, J., & McCarley, R. (2016). Functions and Mechanisms of Sleep. AIMS neuroscience, 3, 67 - 104. https://doi.org/10.3934/Neuroscience.2016.1.67.

Some additional resources can be found here:

Book to read:

    • Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams by Professor Matthew Walker

  • If you or a loved one needs further support, we strongly encourage you to speak with your GP, psychologist, or another qualified healthcare professional.

    Additional support can be found through:

    Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

    LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

    Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

    Show more...
    4 months ago
    32 minutes 59 seconds

    This Might Help
    Better Decisions Start With Your Values

    Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help

    On today's show, we dive into values. We unpack what values are, why it is important to know your values and how you can use this information to help shape your decisions and life.

    You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - ⁠Instagram⁠

    The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

    Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:

    • Honka, A., Helander, E., Pavel, M., Jimison, H., Mustonen, P., Korhonen, I., & Ermes, M. (2019). Exploring Associations Between the Self-Reported Values, Well-Being, and Health Behaviors of Finnish Citizens: Cross-Sectional Analysis of More Than 100,000 Web-Survey Responses. JMIR Mental Health, 6. https://doi.org/10.2196/12170.
    • Wu, S., Bai, Z., Luo, S., Chi, I., & Zhang, L. (2019). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to reduce depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Journal of affective disorders, 260, 728-737. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.09.040.

  • Some additional resources can be found here:

    • Book to read: The Happiness Trap by Dr Russ Harris
    • A list of values: https://www.actmindfully.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Values_Checklist_-_Russ_Harris.pdf
    • The Values in Action (VIA) Inventory (free online questionnaire to explore your character strengths): https://www.viacharacter.org/
    • Valued Living Questionnaire (an adapted version of the VLQ, where you rate how important each value is to you, and how successful you have been in living this value in the past month): https://www.actmindfully.com.au/upimages/VALUED_Living_Questionnaire_-_adapted.pdf


  • If you or a loved one needs further support, we strongly encourage you to speak with your GP, psychologist, or another qualified healthcare professional.

    Additional support can be found through:

    Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

    LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

    Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

    Show more...
    4 months ago
    32 minutes 47 seconds

    This Might Help
    When Good Enough Really Is Enough

    Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help

    On today's show, we get stuck into all things perfectionism. We unpack the difference between helpful and unhelpful perfectionism and how we can deal with perfectionistic thinking.

    You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - Instagram

    The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast

    The research we chat about can be found below:

    • Curran, T., & Hill, A. P. (2019). Perfectionism is increasing over time: A meta-analysis of birth cohort differences from 1989 to 2016. Psychological bulletin, 145(4), 410.
    • Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2022). The mindful self-compassion workbook: A proven way to accept yourself, build inner strength, and thrive (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
    • Shafran, R., Egan, S. J., & Wade, T. (2010). Overcoming perfectionism: A self-help guide using cognitive-behavioural techniques. Constable and Robinson.


    Some additional resources can be found here:

    • https://www.psychologytools.com/articles/learn-about-perfectionism


    If you or a loved one needs further support, we strongly encourage you to speak with your GP, psychologist, or another qualified healthcare professional.

    Additional support can be found through:

    Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 

    LifeLine - https://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14 

    Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) 

    Show more...
    4 months ago
    33 minutes 57 seconds

    This Might Help
    A podcast bridging the gap between evidence-based psychology research and your everyday life, hosted by Psychologists Dr Ciara Hart and Dr Lauren Rossetti.