Computer-Assisted Regulation of Emotional and Social Processes

摘要: Imagine a person who has fear of other people. Let us call her Anna. She is afraid people watching every move as she stands in line or walks down the street. Meeting new almost impossible always feels stared at and judged by everyone. This fear, maybe even phobia, can make Anna’s life very complicated. It difficult for to travel through public spaces order get work, deal with bus taxi driver, shop groceries, etc. leisure time activities are also limited. The situation indeed vicious cycle, it seek treatment go therapist. In USA alone, there approximately 15 million like Anna suffer from social anxiety disorder (Anxiety Disorders Association America, 2008). A total 40 different disorders. associated yearly costs mental health care exceed 42 billion U.S. dollars. Thus, emotional disorders significant issue. There need demonstrably effective efficient methods therapy. Computer systems have recently been applied many disorders, including phobias (Krijn et al., 2004; Wiederhold & Bullinger, 2005). These provide controlled virtual exposure object disorder, example, computer simulation spider room filled this form behavioural therapy, patients systematically desensitized gradual generated representation their (Weiten, 2007; Krijn 2004). At first, level kept mild constant, keeping visually distant far away. Then, increased little little, moving closer increasing number underlying theory that such replaces provoking memories thoughts more neutral ones acquired safe, environment. shown react stimuli same manner authentic, real-life stimuli. For socially anxious cautious about disturbing embodied artificial characters reality (Garau People reported higher somatic responses when speaking negative compared positive audiences consisting agent (Pertaub 2002). As these studies able evoke emotions anxiety, show clear potential method treating enabling