The Conversation Articles

For a list of my The Conversation articles discussing relationships and mental health matters, please visit the link below.

Women take more antidepressants after divorce than men but that doesn’t mean they’re more depressed

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A Finnish study found antidepressant use increased among men and women in the four years leading to the relationship ending – but there was a larger increase among women.

What is a relationship ‘boundary’? And how do I have the boundary conversation with my partner?

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The purpose of creating, understanding and respecting boundaries is to ensure one’s mental health and wellbeing are protected. Used well, they can keep relationships healthy and safe.

Stuck in a ‘talking stage’ or ‘situationship’? How young people can get more out of modern love

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The ‘talking stage’ is a lot like traditional ‘courting’ – with some online complications. Still, it can be a great way to test the waters with a potential partner and establish healthy boundaries.

Thinking about a summer fling? Read this article first

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‘Tis the season for summer lovin’. But make sure you’re clear about your expectations.

3 ways we sabotage relationships (and 3 ways to kick the habit)

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Many of us form destructive habits that prevent us forming long-lasting, healthy relationships. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

What is ‘the ick’? A psychological scientist explains this TikTok trend

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It’s often triggered in an instant, social media users say, by witnessing some kind of turn-off – a bad dance move, a grating laugh or an eating style.

Netflix’s Sexy Beasts tells us you can take physical attraction out of love. The reality is much more complicated

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We fall for people based on appearance, kindness and wealth. It’s not as simple as removing one part of the equation.

Bridgerton offers clever relationship advice — why friendship is the foundation of happy romantic partnerships

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Romantic relationships are complex, but a foundation of friendship can help couples overcome their issues.

Dreading going back to the workplace? You might be feeling separation anxiety from your home

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Many of us might be feeling particularly attached to our homes amid the pandemic.

The coronavirus lockdown could test your relationship. Here’s how to keep it intact (and even improve it)

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For a start, there are four behaviours you want to avoid.

What makes someone more likely to be bullied at work and how companies can help them

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Our study showed that the majority of employees chose to continue attending work despite suffering repeated abuse at work.

Dr Raquel Peel is an internationally recognised relationships expert and an award-winning educator and researcher. Her TEDx talk on relationship sabotage was featured as one of the most popular talks in the TED series ‘How to Be a Better Human’ and TEDxShorts. Raquel has also spoken at high-profile events such as the World of Science Festival and is a prolific contributor for The Conversation. She is regularly interviewed by the media to provide expert commentary on relationship matters at national and international outlets such as The Project, ABC, Forbes, The Guardian, Psychology Today, Channel News Asia, and the Deutsche Welle German Broadcaster. Her current research program encompasses studies on interpersonal relationships, mental health, suicide, and education. In her most recent academic positions, she served as a Senior Lecturer, teaching a diverse range of psychology, counselling, and health subjects across all undergraduate year levels, and Honours Program Director, coordinating the 4th year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Honours), and the Master of Science (Research)(Psychology Research) programs. Her work as an educator has been recognised with prestigious institutional awards, including the Excellence Award for Early Career Educator granted by the University of Southern Queensland and the Inclusive Practice Teaching Award granted by James Cook University. Additionally, she is a fellow of Higher Education Academy. Originally from Brazil, Raquel has been in Australia for almost two decades where she lives with her husband, son, daughter, and fur kids. 

The Raquel Peel Editorial Team

The Raquel Peel Editorial Team is composed of writers who contribute to this site’s overall message. It is our mission to help and inspire individuals to pursue and maintain healthy and loving relationships.