Sensory Perception & Interaction Research Group

A generally adaptive way to regulate emotions involves using reappraisal to change the motivational meaning of a distressing situation. Learning and using this strategy can be challenging, especially in intense situations and for vulnerable individuals. Technologies intended to facilitate learning and using reappraisal have mostly relied on verbal communication. Here, we consider the potential for complementing existing approaches with haptic technologies, on the premise that crafted touch interaction can increase intervention accessibility and adaptiveness, both during intense situations and over longer time scales. We discuss the psychological and physiological pathways through which a haptic intervention could make reappraisal easier to learn and use; then propose requirements for CHORA (comforting haptic co-regulating adjunct) technology and a research approach to its validation.