This Might Help

Dr Ciara Hart and Dr Lauren Rossetti
  • 5.0 (15)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast where psychology research meets real life, hosted by Australian Psychologists Dr Ciara Hart and Dr Lauren Rossetti.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Is Social Media Making Us Meaner?

    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 “drama” to comment section pile-ons to the algorithms designed to reward outrage over nuance, we explore why we’re no longer just watching; we’re 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 - ⁠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: 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), 7313–7318. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1618923114 Crockett, M. J. (2017). Moral outrage in the digital age. Nature Human Behaviour, 1, 769–771. 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), 410–429. 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), 180–198. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088868310377395 Lapidot-Lefler, N., & Barak, A. (2012). Effects of anonymity and invisibility. Computers in Human Behavior, 28(2), 434–443. 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, 1427–1438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-015-0020-0 Suler, J. (2004). The online disinhibition effect. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 7(3), 321–326. 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)

    42 min

  2. 27 APR

    The Psychology of Feeling Overwhelmed

    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 - ⁠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: 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), 257–285. Zeigarnik, B. (1938). On finished and unfinished tasks. In W. D. Ellis (Ed.), A Source Book of Gestalt Psychology (pp. 300–314). 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)

    53 min

  3. 6 APR

    People Pleasing: How to Start Saying No

    Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help. In this week’s episode, we explore people-pleasing: the tendency to prioritise others’ needs, emotions, and comfort at the expense of one’s 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 - ⁠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: 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), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309032 Simpson, J. A., & Rholes, W. S. (2017). Adult attachment, stress, and romantic relationships. Current Opinion in Psychology, 13, 19–24. 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)

    42 min

  4. 30 MAR

    How to Check In, Reset, and Stay Motivated

    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 “fresh start effect,” 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 - ⁠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: 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), 607–612. 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), 1133–1143. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167212445599 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), 366–381. 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), 2563–2582. 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)

    40 min

  5. 24 MAR

    What Actually Makes Us Happy? Lessons from Harvard's Longest Study on Happiness

    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 - ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠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), 422–431. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019087 The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s 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)

    29 min

  6. 16 MAR

    How to Manage Your Time

    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 - ⁠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: 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), 366–381. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.67.3.366 Roxburgh, S. (2004). “There Just Aren’t Enough Hours in the Day’: 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 — "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)

    49 min

  7. 2 MAR

    The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories

    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 - ⁠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: 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, 65–69. 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)

    32 min

  8. 23 FEB

    Overthinking, Ruminating and Worrying: How to Get Out of Your Head

    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 - ⁠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: Ehring, T., & Watkins, E. R. (2008). Repetitive negative thinking as a transdiagnostic process. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 1(3), 192–205. 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), 414–419. 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), 138–145. 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, 247–259 (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)

    40 min
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About

A podcast where psychology research meets real life, hosted by Australian Psychologists Dr Ciara Hart and Dr Lauren Rossetti.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Ciara Hart and Dr Lauren Rossetti
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr Ciara Hart and Dr Lauren Rossetti
  • Show Website
    This Might Help

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