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Podcasts and mental health

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Person wearing headphones is leaning against a wall looking at the sky

With the spread of the internet and the decline in use of traditional media such as newspaper and radio, podcasts have exploded in popularity over the last few years.

The aim of this PhD study is to identify whether listening to a podcast can reduce stigmatising attitudes towards people living with complex mental health issues.

This project began in June 2020.

The study is funded by the National Stigma Report Card project, which is led by SANE in partnership with the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences with the support of the Paul Ramsay Foundation.

Study 1: Podcasts and Mental Health Survey

The aim of this survey was to understand the behaviours, attitudes and preferences of podcast listeners regarding different types of podcasts, including podcasts on the topic of mental health. It was also designed to understand the relationship between listening to podcasts and different aspects of mental health.

This study is now complete. Read a summary of the findings here.

Study 2: Co-Design and Anti-Stigma Podcast Research (CASPR) Study

The aim of this co-design study was to bring key target audience members together to inform the development of a new podcast. This new podcast aims to reduce stigmatising attitudes towards people living with complex mental health issues.

The study is now complete. Read a summary of the findings here.

Expected Outcomes

This study will generate new information about how podcasts can be used for stigma reduction initiatives.

Results will be published in a PhD thesis and may also be published in a peer-reviewed journal or presented at a conference.

Team Members

    • Elise Carrotte
      PhD Candidate, University of Melbourne
      Senior Research and Evaluation Coordinator, SANE
    • Professor Lisa Phillips
      Primary Supervisor
      Director Professional Programs, Associate Head of School, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne
    • Dr Michelle Blanchard
      Former Deputy CEO, SANE and Director, Anne Deveson Research Centre
      Special Adviser, National Mental Health Commission
      Honorary Senior Fellow, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne
    • Dr Christopher Groot
      Research Lead, National Stigma Report Card
      Director, Telehealth and Stigma Lab – Brain and Mental Health Hub, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne
    • Dr Fincina Hopgood
      Lecturer in Screen Studies - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, University of New England

Further information

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about the project.

Last updated: 12 January 2022

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