In today’s episode, we’re exploring a fascinating concept that impacts everything from group projects to team sports to your workplace: social loafing and public recognition.

Now, I know many of you have been there. You’re part of a group, and while some of your teammates are giving it their all, others are, well… not. Maybe they’re contributing less than expected, or perhaps they’re outright slacking off. You might have even found yourself in that position. But why does this happen? Why is it that when we’re part of a group, we sometimes put in less effort than when we’re working solo?

Today, we’ll uncover the psychological science behind social loafing, explore real-world examples, and talk about the factors that can either amplify or reduce this phenomenon. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a deeper understanding of why social loafing occurs and what you can do to prevent it. We will also delve into the drawbacks of public recognition, particularly how it can sometimes backfire, and what we can do as leaders, managers, and teammates, to encourage collaboration without enabling slacking off.

Social Media Links
The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast
Instagram
Twitter

Teacher Resources (really, for anyone)
The Lemon Tree by AKS
Box Breathing

Other Important Resources:
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline call (866) 331-9474, or text: loveis to 225
loveisrespect.org
A Call For Change Helpline (877) 898-3411. Visit their website at acallforchangehelpline.org.
Al-Anon
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Laura's House
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
or TEXT the word “start to 88788
National Emergency Telephone Number in Australia - dial 000

Hello & Welcome to The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast. Each week Dr. Allison Sucamele will be taking the science of positive psychology, adding a little humor, and through evidence-based research, providing you with tools and strategies to help you live a life of peace and purpose.

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In this episode, I will explore the psychology of an emotionally mature partner—what it means, why it matters, and how emotional maturity impacts relationships.

Whether you’re currently in a relationship, thinking about what you want in one, or reflecting on past ones, understanding emotional maturity is a crucial piece of the puzzle. Emotional maturity isn't something you're born with—it’s developed over time, shaped by life experiences, self-reflection, and the ability to navigate the complexities of human emotions in a healthy way.

So, what does it mean to be an emotionally mature partner? And how can we cultivate more emotional maturity in our relationships?

Social Media Links
The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast
Instagram
Twitter

Teacher Resources (really, for anyone)
The Lemon Tree by AKS
Box Breathing

Other Important Resources:
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline call (866) 331-9474, or text: loveis to 225
loveisrespect.org
A Call For Change Helpline (877) 898-3411. Visit their website at acallforchangehelpline.org.
Al-Anon
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Laura's House
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
or TEXT the word “start to 88788
National Emergency Telephone Number in Australia - dial 000

Hello & Welcome to The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast. Each week Dr. Allison Sucamele will be taking the science of positive psychology, adding a little humor, and through evidence-based research, providing you with tools and strategies to help you live a life of peace and purpose.

At first glance, altruism, acting out of concern for the well-being of others, sounds like a virtuous, selfless pursuit. But what happens when that desire to help goes too far? What happens when it becomes unhealthy, harmful, or even counterproductive? We’ve all heard about people who “burn out” from too much giving or who become entangled in toxic relationships that look like charity but are deeply exploitative.

Today, we’ll unpack toxic altruism, how it manifests in various aspects of life, and what we can do to strike a healthier balance between helping others and taking care of ourselves.

Please note the content provided on this podcast and website, The Lemon Tree Coaching, is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health condition or treatment.

Also, the views and opinions expressed by podcast guests or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host or the website. While we strive to provide accurate, evidence-based information, mental health is complex and varies from person to person. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact your local emergency services.

By using this website or listening to the podcast, you agree to take full responsibility for your own mental health and well-being.

Social Media Links
The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast
Instagram
Twitter

Teacher Resources (really, for anyone)
The Lemon Tree by AKS
Box Breathing

Other Important Resources:
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline call (866) 331-9474, or text: loveis to 225
loveisrespect.org
A Call For Change Helpline (877) 898-3411. Visit their website at acallforchangehelpline.org.
Al-Anon
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Laura's House
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
or TEXT the word “start to 88788
National Emergency Telephone Number in Australia - dial 000

Hello & Welcome to The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast. Each week Dr. Allison Sucamele will be taking the science of positive psychology, adding a little humor, and through evidence-based research, providing you with tools and strategies to help you live a life of peace and purpose.

This week we’re diving into the psychology of the first month of the year—January. As we all know, the start of a new year is filled with energy, reflection, and, of course, New Year's resolutions. But what does it really mean for our minds? Why do we feel so motivated and, sometimes, overwhelmed at the same time? And how can we understand the unique psychological dynamics of January to make the most of this so-called fresh start?

We will break down the mental and emotional experiences that tend to dominate this month, from the highs of new beginnings to the inevitable dips in motivation, and what we can do to manage our mental health and well-being in these early weeks of the year.

Please note the content provided on this podcast and website, The Lemon Tree Coaching, is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health condition or treatment.

Also, the views and opinions expressed by podcast guests or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host or the website. While we strive to provide accurate, evidence-based information, mental health is complex and varies from person to person. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact your local emergency services.

By using this website or listening to the podcast, you agree to take full responsibility for your own mental health and well-being.

Social Media Links
The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast
Instagram
Twitter

Teacher Resources (really, for anyone)
The Lemon Tree by AKS
Box Breathing

Other Important Resources:
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline call (866) 331-9474, or text: loveis to 225
loveisrespect.org
A Call For Change Helpline (877) 898-3411. Visit their website at acallforchangehelpline.org.
Al-Anon
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Laura's House
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
or TEXT the word “start to 88788
National Emergency Telephone Number in Australia - dial 000

Hello & Welcome to The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast. Each week Dr. Allison Sucamele will be taking the science of positive psychology, adding a little humor, and through evidence-based research, providing you with tools and strategies to help you live a life of peace and purpose.

In this episode, I will be exploring something that’s deeply embedded in our culture and emotions: Christmas. It’s a holiday filled with joy, nostalgia, stress, and, depending on how you celebrate, quite a lot of complexity. But what’s really happening in our minds during this season?

In this episode, I'm going to look at the psychology of Christmas, examining everything from the feelings of happiness and togetherness that many associate with the season to the stress and pressure that can sometimes sneak in. I’ll also talk about the role of traditions, consumerism, and even some surprising scientific findings about how Christmas affects our brains.

Please note the content provided on this podcast and website, The Lemon Tree Coaching, is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health condition or treatment.

Also, the views and opinions expressed by podcast guests or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host or the website. While we strive to provide accurate, evidence-based information, mental health is complex and varies from person to person. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact your local emergency services.

By using this website or listening to the podcast, you agree to take full responsibility for your own mental health and well-being.

Social Media Links
The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast
Instagram
Twitter

Teacher Resources (really, for anyone)
The Lemon Tree by AKS
Box Breathing

Other Important Resources:
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline call (866) 331-9474, or text: loveis to 225
loveisrespect.org
A Call For Change Helpline (877) 898-3411. Visit their website at acallforchangehelpline.org.
Al-Anon
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Laura's House
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
or TEXT the word “start to 88788
National Emergency Telephone Number in Australia - dial 000

Hello & Welcome to The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast. Each week Dr. Allison Sucamele will be taking the science of positive psychology, adding a little humor, and through evidence-based research, providing you with tools and strategies to help you live a life of peace and purpose.

This week, I'm digging into a fascinating and often misunderstood aspect of our lives: the push for perceived achievement. This brings about many questions: How do we measure success? Why are we driven to achieve certain things, and what role does perception—our internal or external view of achievement—play in that drive, especially when the recognition of that achievement might not be as tangible as we think?

I’ll discuss the concepts of social comparison, intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, the role of self-worth, and how the illusion of success can sometimes drive us harder than any concrete goal.

Social Media Links
The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast
Instagram
Twitter

Teacher Resources (really, for anyone)
The Lemon Tree by AKS
Box Breathing

Other Important Resources:
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline call (866) 331-9474, or text: loveis to 225
loveisrespect.org
A Call For Change Helpline (877) 898-3411. Visit their website at acallforchangehelpline.org.
Al-Anon
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Laura's House
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
or TEXT the word “start to 88788
National Emergency Telephone Number in Australia - dial 000
Travel Without Social Praise | Derek Sivers
CreativeMind | Debra & Robert Maldonado
Self-Compassion | Dr. Kristin Neff

Hello & Welcome to The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast. Each week Dr. Allison Sucamele will be taking the science of positive psychology, adding a little humor, and through evidence-based research, providing you with tools and strategies to help you live a life of peace and purpose.

This week I’m diving into a topic that can feel like walking a tightrope: the psychology of being friends with a cheater.

Don’t skip this episode just yet. You may be surprised by what’s to come. Whether you’ve experienced this situation yourself or just trying to understand the dynamics, it can be a confusing and emotionally charged experience.

We won’t engage in shaming but rather get a little perspective. So if you’ve been the cheater, been cheated on, the friend of a cheater, or perhaps all of the above, you may learn something new in this week’s episode.

As we know, friendship is built on a foundation of trust, and when that trust is compromised or betrayed, especially by someone close to you, someone you’ve known for years who you thought you understood inside and out and vice versa, it can stir up all kinds of emotions.

We’ll explore why people cheat, how friendships are affected, and how to navigate these tricky waters with empathy and boundaries.

Social Media Links
The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast
Instagram
Twitter

Teacher Resources (really, for anyone)
The Lemon Tree by AKS
Box Breathing

Other Important Resources:
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline call (866) 331-9474, or text: loveis to 225
loveisrespect.org
A Call For Change Helpline (877) 898-3411. Visit their website at acallforchangehelpline.org.
Al-Anon
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Laura's House
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
or TEXT the word “start to 88788
National Emergency Telephone Number in Australia - dial 000

Hello & Welcome to The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast. Each week Dr. Allison Sucamele will be taking the science of positive psychology, adding a little humor, and through evidence-based research, providing you with tools and strategies to help you live a life of peace and purpose.

In this episode, I will dive into the minds of people in the workplace, explore the hidden dynamics that shape our professional lives, and tackle a fascinating and somewhat quirky topic: the psychology behind co-workers who try to relive their high school days.

It’s something many of us have seen — those colleagues who seem to get stuck in their adolescent years, often bringing high school-style drama, cliques, and even social hierarchies into the workplace. But why does this happen? What’s going on beneath the surface?

Kind reminder: positive psychology is the study of human strengths and flourishing, whereas toxic positivity is the belief that people should maintain a positive mindset no matter how bad, sad, or challenging a situation is. Toxic positivity is a red flag.

Social Media Links
The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast
Instagram
Twitter

Teacher Resources (really, for anyone)
The Lemon Tree by AKS
Box Breathing

Other Important Resources:
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline call (866) 331-9474, or text: loveis to 225
loveisrespect.org
A Call For Change Helpline (877) 898-3411. Visit their website at acallforchangehelpline.org.
Al-Anon
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Laura's House
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
or TEXT the word “start to 88788
National Emergency Telephone Number in Australia - dial 000

Disclaimer:

The content provided on this podcast and website is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health condition or treatment.

The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or the website. While we strive to provide accurate, evidence-based information, mental health is complex and varies from person to person. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact your local emergency services.

By using this website or listening to the podcast, you agree to take full responsibility for your own mental health and well-being.

Important resources related to this episode include the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Dial or text 988 in the United States or 000 in Australia). Check the list of resources in the episode bio or go directly to 988lifeline.org.

Hello & Welcome to The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast. Each week Dr. Allison Sucamele will be taking the science of positive psychology, adding a little humor, and through evidence-based research, providing you with tools and strategies to help you live a life of peace and purpose.