‘Device Preventing Depression’ Alleviates Anxious Attachment Tendencies... Developed by UNIST Research Team

Self-Management and Alleviation of Negative Emotions... Device Experiment Confirms Effectiveness

Designs Supporting Daily Emotional Care Suggest Potential for Depression Prevention

A path has opened to prevent depression by managing negative emotions on one's own.

A research team at UNIST has developed an emotion management device for people with anxious attachment tendencies.

Anxious attachment tendencies are formed through relationships with parents during childhood and continue to have a significant impact into adulthood. Those with high dependence on others and low self-esteem in interpersonal relationships often experience negative emotions and find them difficult to control, which can lead to depression.

The research team led by Professor Kim Cha-jung from the Department of Design at UNIST (President Park Jong-rae) confirmed that about 20% of the population has anxious attachment tendencies and sought ways to alleviate negative emotions in daily life for these individuals, implementing the solution as a device. The device immediately recognizes when the user feels negative emotions and helps them shift to positive thinking.

From the left, Professor Kim Chajung, Researcher Kang Hyemin.

The research team 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.

Among these, they selected three that could be addressed through design: underachievement, self-depreciation, and future worries. Then, they held a workshop with five designers to explore solutions.

Among various ideas, they ultimately chose a device that prints questions and allows users to answer with a pen. This device recognizes negative emotions, induces positive thinking, and helps users reflect on their problems.

The research team installed this device in the homes of people with anxious attachment tendencies and conducted experiments, which showed a significant reduction in negative emotions.

Participants reported that they were able to clearly recognize their emotions and understand their causes. They also evaluated that it helped them adopt positive thoughts and manage their emotions independently.

One participant said, "It was a bad day, but recalling good moments improved my mood." Another participant mentioned positive changes, saying, "I started focusing on my strengths rather than my weaknesses."

Professor Kim Cha-jung stated, "We have presented a new method for people with anxious attachment tendencies to alleviate negative emotions on their own," adding, "It showed the potential to replace professional psychological counseling."

Prototyping process of the device (a) Printing module and mobile app development, (b) Device casing production using 3D printing, (c) Installation at the participant's residence.

The research results were published online on August 31 in the international design journal International Journal of Design. The study was conducted with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.