Episodes
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Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
On today's episode, I unpack the psychology of courage. We tend to assume that being brave means not feeling afraid, but the research points the other way: courage is really about feeling the fear and choosing to act anyway. This episode unpacks:
What courage is
Why we need to think about building our everyday courage
Some practical strategies to build more courage even when you really do not feel ready
The main research and resources I mention are below. If you are keen to learn more about courage and overcoming avoidance, give them a read.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast
Watch the full video version of this episode on YouTube @thismighthelppodcastThe research I drew from for this episode can be found below:
Chowkase, A. A., Parra-MartĂnez, F. A., Ghahremani, M., Bernstein, Z., Finora, G., & Sternberg, R. J. (2024). Dual-process model of courage. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1376195. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1376195
Lodi E, Perrella L, Zarbo R, Patrizi P. Courage as Mediator between Positive Resources and General/Domain-Specific Well-Being Indices. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ. 2022 Aug 13;12(8):1067-1081. doi: 10.3390/ejihpe12080076. PMID: 36005225; PMCID: PMC9407443.
McMillan, T. M., & Rachman, S. J. (1988). Fearlessness and courage in paratroopers undergoing training. Personality and Individual Differences, 9(2), 373â378.
Pury, C. L. S., Kowalski, R. M., & Spearman, J. (2007). Distinctions between general and personal courage. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 2(2), 99â114.
Pury, C. L. S., & Lopez, S. J. (Eds.). (2010). The psychology of courage: Modern research on an ancient virtue. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/12168-000
Pury, C. L. S., & Starkey, C. B. (2010). Is courage an accolade or a process? A fundamental question for courage research. In C. L. S. Pury & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), The psychology of courage: Modern research on an ancient virtue (pp. 67â87). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/12168-004
If you or a loved one needs further support, we strongly encourage you to speak with your GP, psychologist, or another qualified healthcare professional.
Further support can be found through:
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636
Lifeline - https://www.lifeline.org.au 13 11 14
Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under) -
Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
In this solo episode, Lauren unpacks what is actually happening in your brain and body when winter hits and why so many of us feel flat, exhausted, and like we're running on half-battery this time of year. This episode explores the psychological and biological reasons behind seasonal mood changes in winter and what we can do to support our well-being across the colder months. We also cover how to do those things when every part of you would rather stay under a doona, including how romanticising winter can help us take a whole new perspective on this time of year.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast â 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:
American Psychological Association. (2025, April 8). Nurtured by nature. Monitor on Psychology, 51(3). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
Gollwitzer, P. M., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Implementation intentions and goal achievement: A meta-analysis of effects and processes. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 38, 69â119.
Howarth, A., et al. (2023). The underexplored presence of seasonal affective disorder in the southern hemisphere: A narrative review of the Australian literature. Journal of Affective Disorders, 332, 192â201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.053
Kim, K., Kim, J., Jung, S., Kim, H. W., Kim, H. S., Son, E., Ko, D. S., Yoon, S., Kim, B. S., Kim, W. K., Lim, C., Kim, K., Lee, D., & Kim, Y. H. (2025). Global prevalence of seasonal affective disorder by latitude: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders, 390, 119807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.119807
LeppÀmÀki, S., Jaukka, J., Lönnqvist, J., et al. (2004). Drop-out and mood improvement: A randomised controlled trial with light exposure and physical exercise. BMC Psychiatry, 4, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-4-22
Rosenthal, N. E., Sack, D. A., Gillin, J. C., et al. (1984). Seasonal affective disorder: A description of the syndrome and preliminary findings with light therapy. Archives of General Psychiatry, 41, 72â80.
Additional support can be found through:
Beyond Blue â https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636
Lifeline â https://www.lifeline.org.au 13 11 14
Headspace â https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 12â25)
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Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
In this episode of This Might Help, we unpack attachment theory, exploring how our earliest relationships can shape the way we connect, communicate, and respond in adult relationships. Attachment styles have had a huge wave in pop culture and in the media. This episode breaks down the research behind attachment styles and how these patterns can show up in love, friendships, and work. We discuss how attachment styles are not fixed, and the practical, evidence-based ways people can move toward greater security and healthier relationships.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â 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:
Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Bartholomew, K., & Horowitz, L. M. (1991). Attachment styles among young adults: A test of a four-category model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61(2), 226â244. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.61.2.226
Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. Basic Books.
Fraley, R. C. (2002). Attachment stability from infancy to adulthood: Meta-analysis and dynamic modeling of developmental mechanisms. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 6(2), 123â151. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327957PSPR0602_03
Groh, A. M., Narayan, A. J., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., Roisman, G. I., Vaughn, B. E., Fearon, R. M. P., & van IJzendoorn, M. H. (2017). Attachment and temperament in the early life course: A meta-analytic review. Child Development, 88(3), 770â795. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12677
Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(3), 511â524. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.52.3.511
Main, M., & Solomon, J. (1986). Discovery of a new, insecure-disorganized/disoriented attachment pattern. In M. Yogman & T. B. Brazelton (Eds.), Affective development in infancy (pp. 95â124).
Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change. Guilford Press.
Roisman, G. I., PadrĂłn, E., Sroufe, L. A., & Egeland, B. (2002). Earned-secure attachment status in retrospect and prospect. Child Development, 73(4), 1204â1219. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8624.00467
Some additional resources can be found here:
Attachment theory is the science of love | Anne Power | TEDxWaldegrave Road
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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Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
In this episode of This Might Help, we unpack imposter syndrome, the surprisingly common experience of feeling like a fraud despite clear evidence of your competence. We explore why it shows up so strongly at work, how it can affect your confidence, mental health, and career progression, and the different ways it tends to appear day-to-day. The conversation also touches on the hidden costs of imposter thinking, alongside the traits that can sometimes sit alongside it, like care and conscientiousness. Most importantly, we share practical strategies to help us recognise these patterns, challenge them, and move forward with more confidence.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â 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:
Bravata, D. M., Watts, S. A., Keefer, A. L., Madhusudhan, D. K., Taylor, K. T., Clark, D. M., Nelson, R. S., Cokley, K. O., & Hagg, H. K. (2020). Prevalence, Predictors, and Treatment of Impostor Syndrome: a Systematic Review. Journal of general internal medicine, 35(4), 1252â1275. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-019-05364-1
Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241â247. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0086006
Feenstra S, Begeny CT, Ryan MK, Rink FA, Stoker JI and Jordan J (2020) Contextualizing the Impostor âSyndromeâ. Front. Psychol. 11:575024. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.575024
Gullifor, D. P., Gardner, W. L., Karam, E. P., Noghani, F., & Cogliser, C. C. (2024). The impostor phenomenon at work: A systematic evidence-based review, conceptual development, and agenda for future research. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 45(2), 234â251. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2733
Tewfik, B. A. (2022). The impostor phenomenon revisited: Examining the relationship between workplace impostor thoughts and interpersonal effectiveness at work. Academy of Management Journal, 65(3), 988â1018. https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2020.1627
Some additional resources can be found here:
https://www.teamblind.com/blog/impostor-syndrome-tech-and-finance-professionals-are-not-immuned/
Imposter Syndrome Institute: https://impostorsyndrome.com/
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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Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
In this episode, we unpack how social media might be making us more critical and harsher than we realise. From influencer âdramaâ to comment section pile-ons to the algorithms designed to reward outrage over nuance, we explore why weâre no longer just watching; weâre participating. We break down the psychology behind this, including the online disinhibition effect, why we say things online we'd never say in person, how social comparison fuels judgment, and what all of this is doing to our mental health. Finally, we share practical ways to step back, think more clearly, and engage online without getting pulled into the noise.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â 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:
Brady, W. J., Wills, J. A., Jost, J. T., Tucker, J. A., & Van Bavel, J. J. (2017). Emotion shapes the diffusion of moralized content in social networks. PNAS, 114(28), 7313â7318. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1618923114
Crockett, M. J. (2017). Moral outrage in the digital age. Nature Human Behaviour, 1, 769â771. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-017-0213-3
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), 410â429. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000138
Konrath, S. H., O'Brien, E. H., & Hsing, C. (2011). Changes in dispositional empathy. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 15(2), 180â198. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088868310377395
Lapidot-Lefler, N., & Barak, A. (2012). Effects of anonymity and invisibility. Computers in Human Behavior, 28(2), 434â443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2011.10.014
Nesi, J., & Prinstein, M. J. (2015). Using social media for social comparison. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 43, 1427â1438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-015-0020-0
Suler, J. (2004). The online disinhibition effect. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 7(3), 321â326. https://doi.org/10.1089/1094931041291295
Some additional resources can be found here:
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/social-media
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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Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
In this episode, we're diving into something so many of us are feeling right now - overwhelm. A lot of us are feeling overstimulated and overwhelmed, and we discuss what's happening in your brain when you experience this feeling and why modern life, from information overload and constant connectivity, is making it harder than ever to feel calm.
Plus, we explore practical strategies to help close mental tabs, widen your window of tolerance, and actually signal to your body that it's safe to relax.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â 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:
Begeti, F. (2024). The phone fix: The brain-focused guide to building healthy digital habits and breaking bad ones. Apollo.
Dael, N., Meister, A., & Krings, F. (2025). Reaching point break: Understanding the lived experience of being overwhelmed. Frontiers in Organizational Psychology, 3, 1590159. https://doi.org/10.3389/forgp.2025.1590159
Nagoski, E., & Nagoski, A. (2019). Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. Ballantine Books.
Newman, N., Fletcher, R., Robertson, C. T., Ross Arguedas, A., & Nielsen, R. K. (2024). Reuters Institute digital news report 2024. Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2024/dnr-executive-summary
Siegel, D. J. (1999). The Developing Mind: Toward a Neurobiology of Interpersonal Experience. Guilford Press.
Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257â285.
Zeigarnik, B. (1938). On finished and unfinished tasks. In W. D. Ellis (Ed.), A Source Book of Gestalt Psychology (pp. 300â314). Kegan Paul.
Some additional resources can be found here:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/making-the-whole-beautiful/202205/what-is-the-window-of-tolerance-and-why-is-it-so-important
https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/stress-in-america
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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Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
In this weekâs episode, we explore people-pleasing: the tendency to prioritise othersâ needs, emotions, and comfort at the expense of oneâs own. While often perceived as kindness, people-pleasing can contribute to resentment, emotional exhaustion, and a diminished sense of self, and is associated with poorer mental health outcomes.
We examine the psychological underpinnings of this pattern, drawing on research and theory related to social conditioning, attachment, and stress responses, and consider why people-pleasing may disproportionately affect women.
The episode concludes with practical, evidence-informed strategies to help reduce people-pleasing tendencies, including developing assertive communication, setting healthy boundaries, and making decisions that align with your values.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â 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:
Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change. Guilford Press.
Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualisation of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2), 85â101. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309032
Simpson, J. A., & Rholes, W. S. (2017). Adult attachment, stress, and romantic relationships. Current Opinion in Psychology, 13, 19â24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.04.006
YouGov. (2022). Women are more likely than men to identify as people-pleasers. https://yougov.com/en-us/articles/43498-women-more-likely-men-people-pleasing-poll
Some additional resources can be found here:
Braiker, H. B. (2001). The disease to please: Curing the people-pleasing syndrome. McGraw-Hill.
Walker, P. (2013). Complex PTSD: From surviving to thriving: A guide and map for recovering from childhood trauma. Azure Coyote Publishing.
Tawwab, N. G. (2021). Set boundaries, find peace: A guide to reclaiming yourself. Piatkus.
"How to Stop Being a People Pleaser": https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-color-of-wellness/202310/how-to-stop-being-a-people-pleaser
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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Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
So... how are those goals going? In this week's episode, we revisit the goals we set at the start of the year and explore why motivation often fades (don't worry, so many of us experience this!). Using the concept of the âfresh start effect,â we unpack how the beginning of Q2 can serve as a powerful reset point to reflect, realign, and move forward with intention. We break down the psychology behind why progress towards our goals may have stalled, from the planning fallacy to the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Finally, we share practical, evidence-based strategies to help rebuild momentum, set realistic goals, and encourage self-compassion as we check in on our goal progress.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â 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:
Amabile, T. M., & Kramer, S. J. (2011). The progress principle: Using small wins to ignite joy, engagement, and creativity at work. Harvard Business Review Press.
Bonezzi, A., Brendl, C. M., & De Angelis, M. (2011). Stuck in the middle: The psychophysics of goal pursuit. Psychological Science, 22(5), 607â612. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797611404899
Breines, J. G., & Chen, S. (2012). Self-compassion increases self-improvement motivation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 38(9), 1133â1143. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167212445599
Buehler, R., Griffin, D., & Ross, M. (1994). Exploring the âplanning fallacyâ: Why people underestimate their task completion times. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67(3), 366â381. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.67.3.366
Dai, H., Milkman, K. L., & Riis, J. (2014). The fresh start effect: Temporal landmarks motivate aspirational behavior. Management Science, 60(10), 2563â2582. https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2014.1901
Wang, J., & Fishbach, A. (2025). Goal harmony.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspa0000452
Some additional resources can be found here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/well/move/new-years-resolutions-goals-advice.html
https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-to-get-motivated-even-when-you-don-t-feel-like-it
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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Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
In this week's episode, we discuss the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on adult life and wellbeing ever conducted. From decades of research, the study highlights what actually predicts a long, healthy and fulfilling life!
In this episode, we covered:
How relationships are the single strongest predictor of happiness
The harms of loneliness
What people regretted when they looked back on their lives
What we can take from the findings of the study and implement into our lives to boost wellbeing and happiness.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â TikTok
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:
Waldinger, R. J., & Schulz, M. S. (2010). Psychology and Aging, 25(2), 422â431. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019087
The Good Life: Lessons from the Worldâs Longest Scientific Study of Happiness published in 2023 by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz (https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-good-life-9781846046780)
Some additional resources can be found here:
https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_waldinger_the_secret_to_a_happy_life_lessons_from_8_decades_of_research
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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Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
In this week's episode, we discuss the psychology of time management and why so many of us feel like there is never enough time. We cover why our brains are wired to make time management hard, and what the research says actually helps.
In this episode, we covered:
The planning fallacy and why we consistently underestimate how long things take
Task completion bias and why we gravitate toward easy tasks over important ones
Why procrastination is an emotion regulation problem
How skipping rest actually reduces our productivity
Evidence-based strategies, including if-then planning, time-blocking, and building in realistic buffers
Why self-compassion beats self-criticism for getting back on track
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â 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:
Amabile, Teresa M., and Steve J. Kramer. The Progress Principle: Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at Work. Harvard Business Review Press, 2011.
Buehler, R., Griffin, D., & Ross, M. (1994). Exploring the "planning fallacy": Why people underestimate their task completion times. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67(3), 366â381. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.67.3.366
Roxburgh, S. (2004). âThere Just Arenât Enough Hours in the Dayâ: The Mental Health Consequences of Time Pressure. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 45(2), 115-131.
Some additional resources can be found here:
Brian Christian â "How to manage your time more effectively (according to machines)" (TED-Ed): https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-to-manage-your-time-more-effectively-according-to-machines-brian-christian
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/mindful-professional-development/202309/the-psychology-of-time-management-and-5-strategies
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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Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
In this week's episode, we explore what conspiracy theories are and unpack why people are drawn to them, including that they are driven by a need for certainty, a need for control and social motives, alongside cognitive biases and proportionality bias. We also discuss the real-world consequences, from reduced health behaviours to lower political engagement and weakened social cohesion. Finally, the episode offers practical strategies for managing misinformation and approaches to having respectful debunking conversations.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â 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:
Douglas, K. M., Sutton, R. M., & Cichocka, A. (2017). The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 26(6), 538-542. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721417718261
Caulfield, M., & Wineburg, S. (2023). Verified: How to think straight, get duped less, and make better decisions about what to believe online. The University of Chicago Press
van Prooijen, J. W., Spadaro, G., & Wang, H. (2021). Suspicion of institutions: How distrust and conspiracy theories deteriorate social relationships. Current Opinion in Psychology, 43, 65â69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.06.013
Some additional resources can be found here:
Podcast episode with Dr Karen Douglas https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/conspiracy-theories
SIFT Method: https://guides.lib.uchicago.edu/c.php?g=1241077&p=9082322
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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Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
This week's episode is all about overthinking or "repetitive negative thinking", including ruminating and worrying. Overthinking is so common, especially for young women, and in this episode we unpack what can lead to overthinking, why our brains get stuck in this pattern and talk through short-term and longer-term strategies to help reduce overthinking.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â 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:
Ehring, T., & Watkins, E. R. (2008). Repetitive negative thinking as a transdiagnostic process. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 1(3), 192â205. https://doi.org/10.1680/ijct.2008.1.3.192
Johnson, D. P., & Whisman, M. A. (2013). Gender differences in rumination: A meta-analysis. Personality and Individual Differences, 55(4), 414â419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.03.019
Koster, E. H. W., De Lissnyder, E., Derakshan, N., & De Raedt, R. (2011). Understanding depressive rumination from a cognitive science perspective: The impaired disengagement hypothesis. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(1), 138â145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.08.005
Lilly, K. J., Howard, C., Zubielevitch, E., & Sibley, C. G. (2023). Thinking twice: Examining gender differences in repetitive negative thinking across the adult lifespan. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, Article 1239112. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1239112
Treynor, W., Gonzalez, R. & Nolen-Hoeksema, S. Rumination Reconsidered: A Psychometric Analysis. Cognitive Therapy and Research 27, 247â259 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023910315561
These resources were also used for this episode:
https://www.ted.com/talks/guy_winch_how_to_turn_off_work_thoughts_during_your_free_time
https://www.headspace.com/articles/stop-overthinking-start-living
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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Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
In this episode, we chat about the post-holiday blues - the low mood many people experience returning to work after a break and discuss psychological research and practical strategies to cope. Research shows that while holidays do boost wellbeing, those benefits fade quickly after returning to work, and longer holidays don't necessarily help more. To combat the everyday monotony of daily life, we discuss strategies like savouring small positive moments, pairing mundane tasks with enjoyable activities, building in micro-moments of joy, maintaining social connections, and giving yourself buffer time before diving back into work.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â 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:
Bryant, F. B., & Veroff, J. (2007). Savoring: A new model of positive experience. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
de Bloom, J., Kompier, M., Geurts, S., de Weerth, C., Taris, T., & Sonnentag, S. (2009). Do we recover from vacation? Meta-analysis of vacation effects on health and well-being. Journal of occupational health, 51(1), 13â25. https://doi.org/10.1539/joh.k8004
Guevarra, D. A., Park, Y., Xu, X., Liou, J., Smith, J., Callahan, P., Simon-Thomas, E., & Epel, E. S. (2025). Scaling a Brief Digital Well-Being Intervention (the Big Joy Project) and Sociodemographic Moderators: Single-Group Pre-Post Study. Journal of medical Internet research, 27, e72053. https://doi.org/10.2196/72053
Weinberg, M. (2024). Why it's normal to feel post-holiday blues. Deakin University School of Psychology. https://this.deakin.edu.au/self-improvement/why-its-normal-to-feel-post-holiday-blues
Yan, N., de Bloom, J., Dubbelt, L., & Halpenny, E. (2024). We Continue to Recover Through Vacation! Meta-Analysis of Vacation Effects on Well-Being and Its Fade-Out. European Psychologist, 28(4). https://doi.org/10.1027/1016-9040/a000518
These resources were also discussed in this episode:
https://www.headspace.com/articles/post-holiday-blues
https://ggia.berkeley.edu/bigjoy?
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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Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
Valentine's Day is celebrated as a modern (often consumeristic) holiday; however, it has a very old (and pretty odd) history. This episode unpacks what the research says about the so-called âValentineâs Day Blues.â We discuss whether the holiday impacts psychological well-being and how this might have changed over time. From milestone anxiety to the mental health benefits of gratitude, friendship, and self-expansion, this episode offers practical, evidence-based ways to protect (and even boost) your wellbeing, whether youâre single, partnered, or happily opting out altogether. đ
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â 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:
Braithwaite, S., & Holt-Lunstad, J. (2017). Romantic relationships and mental health. Current opinion in psychology, 13, 120â125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.04.001
Buenconsejo, J. U., Fincham, F. D., & Datu, J. A. D. (2023). The perks of being grateful to partners: Expressing gratitude in relationships predicts relational self-efficacy and life satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applied psychology. Health and well-being, 15(4), 1472â1489. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12447
Jans-Beken, L., Jacobs, N., Janssens, M., Peeters, S., Reijnders, J., Lechner, L., & Lataster, J. (2020). Gratitude and health: An updated review. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 15(6), 743â782. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2019.1651888
Lange, R., Jerabek, I., & Dagnall, N. (2022). Do the âValentineâs Day Bluesâ Exist? A Legacy Report on a Purported Psychological Phenomenon. Journal of Scientific Exploration.
McIntyre, K. P., Mattingly, B. A., Stanton, S. C. E., Xu, X., Loving, T. J., & Lewandowski, G. W., Jr (2023). Romantic Relationships and Mental Health: Investigating the Role of Self-Expansion on Depression Symptoms. Journal of social and personal relationships, 40(1), 3â28. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075221101127
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)
-
Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
It's the beginning of 2026, and there's no better time to think about the best practices we can put in place now to prevent burnout this year. In today's episode, we talk about why burnout is so prevalent amongst young people, and what strategies we (and workplaces) can use to prevent it!
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â TikTok
The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast
If you liked this podcast, you might also enjoy this other podcast on burnout:
https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/burnout
Some of the key research we chat about can be found below:
Gallup. (2022). State of the global workplace report. Gallup.
Martinez, M. F., O'Shea, K. J., Lee, B. Y., & Haidari, L. A. (2025). The health and economic burden of employee burnout to U.S. employers. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103-111.
Mental Health UK. (2025). The Burnout Report 2025. https://mentalhealth-uk.org
Sonnentag, S., & Fritz, C. (2015). Recovery from job stress: The stressor-detachment model as an integrative framework. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 36(1), 72-103.
Wrzesniewski, A., & Dutton, J. E. (2001). Crafting a job: Revisioning employees as active crafters of their work. Academy of Management Review, 26(2), 179-201.
Zaitouni, M., Hewapathirana, G., Mostafa, M., Al Hajj, R., & ElMelegy, A. R. (2024). Work-life balance: A landscape mapping of two decades of scholarly research. Heliyon, 10(14), e34084. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34084
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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Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
This is our last episode of 2025 and of Season 1! To wrap up the year, we're chatting all about how to reflect on 2025 and how to make regular reflection a part of 2026. We cover:
Why we overlook our successes and wins
Why it is so important to celebrate progress
How to make the most out of our achievements
Practical strategies for reflecting on your year!
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â TikTok
The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast
References from this episode:
Bryant, F. B., & Veroff, J. (2007). Savoring: A new model of positive experience. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers.
Ledgerwood A, Boydstun AE. Sticky prospects: loss frames are cognitively stickier than gain frames. J Exp Psychol Gen. 2014 Feb;143(1):376-85. doi: 10.1037/a0032310. Epub 2013 Mar 25. PMID: 23527949.
Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden and build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56, 218-226. https://doi.org/10.1037%2F%2F0003-066x.56.3.218
Some of the resources we chat about in this episode:
https://www.alisonledgerwood.com/negativity-and-positivity-biases.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XFLTDQ4JMk
The Progress Principle: Amabile, T. M., & Kramer, S. J. (2011) - https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=40692
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/16/learning/10-ideas-for-reflecting-at-the-end-of-the-school-year.html
Additional support can be found through:
Beyond Blue - â https://www.beyondblue.org.auâ 1300 22 4636
LifeLine - â https://988lifeline.org/get-help/â 13 11 14
Headspace - â https://headspace.org.auâ 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under)
-
Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.
This episode covers goal setting, including research-backed approaches for how to set goals, why so many of us don't achieve the goals we set and how to make goals stick.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - â Instagramâ and â TikTok
The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcast
References from this episode:
Gollwitzer, P. M., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Implementation intentions and goal achievement: A meta-analysis of effects and processes. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 38, 69â119. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(06)38002-1
Kiresuk, T.J., Sherman, R.E. Goal attainment scaling: A general method for evaluating comprehensive community mental health programs. Community Ment Health J 4, 443â453 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01530764
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2019). The development of goal setting theory: A half century retrospective. Motivation Science, 5(2), 93â105. https://doi.org/10.1037/mot0000127
Oettingen, G., Pak, H., & Schnetter, K. (2001). Self-regulation of goal setting: Turning free fantasies about the future into binding goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80(5), 736â753. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.80.5.736
Oettingen, G. (2012). Future thought and behaviour change. European Review of Social Psychology, 23(1), 1â63. https://doi.org/10.1080/10463283.2011.643698
Singh, B., Murphy, A., Maher, C., & Smith, A. E. (2024). Time to Form a Habit: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Health Behaviour Habit Formation and Its Determinants. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 12(23), 2488. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232488
Steel, P., Svartdal, F., Thundiyil, T., & Brothen, T. (2018). Examining procrastination across multiple goal stages: A longitudinal study of temporal motivation theory. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, Article 327. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00327
Some of the resources we chat about in this episode:
Clear, J. (2018). Atomic habits: An easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones. Avery.
Additional support can be found through:
Beyond Blue - â https://www.beyondblue.org.auâ 1300 22 4636
LifeLine - â https://988lifeline.org/get-help/â 13 11 14
Headspace - â https://headspace.org.auâ 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under)
-
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 - â Instagramâ and â 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). âMilestone Anxietyâ on the rise among millennials and Gen Z. âMilestone anxietyâ 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 - â https://www.beyondblue.org.auâ 1300 22 4636
LifeLine - â https://988lifeline.org/get-help/â 13 11 14
Headspace - â https://headspace.org.auâ 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under)
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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 - â â Instagramâ â and â â TikTokâ
The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: â https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcastâ
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 - â https://www.beyondblue.org.auâ 1300 22 4636
LifeLine - â https://988lifeline.org/get-help/â 13 11 14
Headspace - â https://headspace.org.auâ 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under)
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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 - â Instagramâ and â 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). âCat Ladiesâ and âMamaâs Boysâ: 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 AvilĂ©s, T., BĂŒhler, J. L., Brandt, N. D., & Neyer, F. J. (2024). Todayâs 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). âSisters Are Doinâ It for Themselvesâ: Gender Differences in Singlesâ 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 Singlesâ 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), 819â829. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000540
Additional support can be found through:
Beyond Blue - â https://www.beyondblue.org.auâ 1300 22 4636
LifeLine - â https://988lifeline.org/get-help/â 13 11 14
Headspace - â https://headspace.org.auâ 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under)
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