Using Technology to Regulate Affect: A Multidisciplinary Perspective

Author(s): Miri, Pardis | Advisor(s): Isbister, Katherine; Marzullo, Keith | Abstract: This dissertation is motivated by the prevalence and adverse impact of anxiety and anxiety disorders. In this dissertation, I address the following two question in the context of affect regulation: 1. What is the role of technology in supporting affect regulation? What are the ways that such technology can assist? Are some ways more easily made effective than others?2. Paced breathing is a well-known and effective technique for reducing autonomous nervous system arousal. How can paced breathing be effectively supported by technology for affect regulation? I give a rationale for the need of an interdisciplinary approach and provide a multidisciplinary literature review of technology that assists in regulating affect. I develop a framework that describes three distinct roles of technology for affect regulation: cueing, involvement, and feedback. Finally, I present the design and evaluation of the experience and efficacy of a high-fidelity prototype of vibrotactile breathing pacer.