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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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:
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
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)
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:
Some additional resources can be found here:
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
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:
Some additional resources can be found here:
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
On today's show, we discuss all about how and why exercise improves our mental health and what we can do to become more consistent with exercise.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast - Instagram
The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube by clicking here.
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://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14
Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under)
The research we chat about can be found below:
An, H.-Y., Chen, W., Wang, C.-W., Yang, H.-F., Huang, W.-T., & Fan, S.-Y. (2020). The Relationships between Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction and Happiness among Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(13), Article 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17134817
Basso, J. C., & Suzuki, W. A. (2017). The Effects of Acute Exercise on Mood, Cognition, Neurophysiology, and Neurochemical Pathways: A Review. Brain Plasticity, 2(2), 127–152. https://doi.org/10.3233/BPL-160040
Greco, G., Cataldi, S., & Fischetti, F. (2020). Combined Exercise Training Improves Work-Related Burnout Symptoms And Psychological Stress: A Randomized Controlled Study: 1702 Board #296 May 28 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 52(7S), 458. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000678904.77818.e8
Heissel, A., Heinen, D., Brokmeier, L. L., Skarabis, N., Kangas, M., Vancampfort, D., Stubbs, B., Firth, J., Ward, P. B., Rosenbaum, S., Hallgren, M., & Schuch, F. (2023). Exercise as medicine for depressive symptoms? A systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(16), 1049–1057. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-106282
Kredlow, M. A., Capozzoli, M. C., Hearon, B. A., Calkins, A. W., & Otto, M. W. (2015). The effects of physical activity on sleep: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 38(3), 427–449. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-015-9617-6
Li, J., Zhou, Z., Hao, S., & Zang, L. (2025). Optimal intensity and dose of exercise to improve university students’ mental health: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 48 randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 125(5), 1395–1410. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-024-05688-9
Ramos-Sanchez, C. P., Schuch, F. B., Seedat, S., Louw, Q. A., Stubbs, B., Rosenbaum, S., Firth, J., van Winkel, R., & Vancampfort, D. (2021). The anxiolytic effects of exercise for people with anxiety and related disorders: An update of the available meta-analytic evidence. Psychiatry Research, 302, 114046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114046
Singh, B., Bennett, H., Miatke, A., Dumuid, D., Curtis, R., Ferguson, T., Brinsley, J., Szeto, K., Petersen, J. M., Gough, C., Eglitis, E., Simpson, C. E., Ekegren, C. L., Smith, A. E., Erickson, K. I., & Maher, C. (2025). Effectiveness of exercise for improving cognition, memory and executive function: A systematic umbrella review and meta-meta-analysis. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2024-108589
Teixeira, D. S., Rodrigues, F., Cid, L., & Monteiro, D. (2022). Enjoyment as a Predictor of Exercise Habit, Intention to Continue Exercising, and Exercise Frequency: The Intensity Traits Discrepancy Moderation Role. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 780059. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.780059
Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help
On today's show, we discuss some of the research behind acute stress and how to optimise the inevitable stressors we face in day-to-day life.
The research we chat about can be found below:
Jamieson, J. P., Crum, A. J., Goyer, J. P., Marotta, M. E., & Akinola, M. (2018). Optimizing stress responses with reappraisal and mindset interventions: an integrated model. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, 31(3), 245–261. https://doi.org/10.1080/10615806.2018.1442615
Lu, S., Wei, F., & Li, G. (2021). The evolution of the concept of stress and the framework of the stress system. Cell stress, 5(6), 76–85. https://doi.org/10.15698/cst2021.06.250
McEwen, B., & Akil, H. (2020). Revisiting the Stress Concept: Implications for Affective Disorders. The Journal of Neuroscience, 40, 12 -21. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0733-19.2019.
O'Connor, D., Thayer, J., & Vedhara, K. (2020). Stress and Health: A Review of Psychobiological Processes. Annual review of psychology. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-062520-122331.
Yerkes, R. M., & Dodson, J. D. (1908). The relation of strength of stimulus to rapidity of habit-formation. Punishment: Issues and experiments, 27-41.
You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast
The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube @thismighthelppodcast
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://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
On today's show, we discuss some of the research behind the positive and negative impacts that social media can have on mental health and how to find balance online. The main research and resources we chat about can be found below. If you are keen to learn more about social media and mental health, give them a read!
Boniel-Nissim, M., Marino, C., Galeotti, T., Blinka, L., Ozoliņa, K., Craig, W., Lahti, H., Wong, S. L., Brown, J., Wilson, M., Inchley, J., & van den Eijnden, R. (2024). A focus on adolescent social media use and gaming in Europe, central Asia and Canada: Health Behaviour in School-aged Children international report from the 2021/2022 survey. World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/378982
General (OSG), O. of the S. (2023). Social Media Has Both Positive and Negative Impacts on Children and Adolescents. In Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory [Internet]. US Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594763/
Koh, G. K., Ow Yong, J. Q. Y., Lee, A. R. Y. B., Ong, B. S. Y., Yau, C. E., Ho, C. S. H., & Goh, Y. S. (2024). Social media use and its impact on adults’ mental health and well-being: A scoping review. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 21(4), 345–394. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12727
Plackett, R., Blyth, A., & Schartau, P. (2023a). The Impact of Social Media Use Interventions on Mental Well-Being: Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25(1), e44922. https://doi.org/10.2196/44922
Skeggs, A., & Orben, A. (2025). Social media interventions to improve well-being. Nature Human Behaviour. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02167-9
Statistics on the number of social media users:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/272014/global-social-networks-ranked-by-number-of-users/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1552375/australia-time-spent-using-social-media-apps/
Some of the Headspace strategies we discussed can be found here:
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://988lifeline.org/get-help/ 13 11 14
Headspace - https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 25 or under)
Welcome to This Might Help - a podcast bridging the gap between evidence-based psychology research and your everyday life.
Hosted by Dr Ciara Hart and Dr Lauren Rossetti, two Australian psychologists and researchers with a passion for making psychological science practical and accessible.
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @thismighthelppodcast
Find the full video version on YouTube @thismighthelppodcast
New episodes drop every Tuesday.