Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) announced on the 22nd that Professor Kim Chajung’s research team from the Department of Design has successfully developed an “emotion management device” for individuals with anxious attachment tendencies.
The research team noted that anxious attachment styles are formed through childhood relationships with parents and continue to have a significant impact into adulthood. Those with high dependence on others and low self-esteem in interpersonal relationships frequently experience negative emotions, which can be difficult to control and may lead to depression.
The team identified that about 20% of the population has anxious attachment tendencies and sought ways to alleviate negative emotions in daily life, implementing these solutions into a device. This device helps users recognize negative emotions instantly and assists in shifting to positive thinking.
To achieve this, they investigated the situations in which people with anxious attachment tendencies experience negative emotions. Through diary entries and group interviews, they identified nine situations that trigger negative emotions and selected three addressable by design: lack of achievement, self-deprecation, and worry about the future. After collaborating with five designers, they finalized a device that poses printed questions which users answer with a pen.
Experiments conducted by installing this device in the homes of people with anxious attachment tendencies showed a significant decrease in negative emotions.
Professor Kim Chajung stated, “This research presents a new method for individuals with anxious attachment tendencies to alleviate negative emotions independently,” adding that “it demonstrates potential as an alternative to professional psychological counseling.”
The research findings were published in the online issue of the International Journal of Design on August 31.