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)