Affect-Sensitive System for Social Anxiety Support

Abstract

The aim of this research is to design an adaptive interactive system with the capability to sense the current states of affective behaviour and provide adaptive interventions to support users navigating social anxiety. Systems that adapt to anxiety levels, symptom severity, or user preferences can potentially better support them and increase adherence. Sensing users' current affective states and tailoring interventions accordingly will be explored in order to empower users to manage their social anxiety and ultimately enhance their overall well-being, given that human emotions and emotion regulation are critical factors in social anxiety. In doing so, an interdisciplinary approach will be followed, integrating knowledge from design, psychology, affective computing, and human-computer interaction and drawing upon state-of-the-art technological advancements.