This Might Help

How To Stop Worrying About Things You Can't Control


Listen Later

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) 

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

This Might HelpBy Dr Ciara Hart and Dr Lauren Rossetti