MIT Libraries logoDSpace@MIT

MIT
View Item 
  • DSpace@MIT Home
  • MIT Libraries
  • MIT Theses
  • Graduate Theses
  • View Item
  • DSpace@MIT Home
  • MIT Libraries
  • MIT Theses
  • Graduate Theses
  • View Item
JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

Gut-brain computer interfacing (GBCI) : wearable electrogastrography for emotion regulation

Author(s)
Vujic, Angela(Angela V.)
Thumbnail
Download1220949512-MIT.pdf (10.47Mb)
Alternative title
Wearable electrogastrography for emotion regulation
Other Contributors
Program in Media Arts and Sciences (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Advisor
Pattie Maes.
Terms of use
MIT theses may be protected by copyright. Please reuse MIT thesis content according to the MIT Libraries Permissions Policy, which is available through the URL provided. http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582
Metadata
Show full item record
Abstract
Sound decision making relies on emotional markers created in the body when deliberating action; according to the Somatic Marker hypothesis, this process is compromised under strong and incongruous emotional states. At the same time, "gut feelings" are rooted in neuroanatomical evidence of gut-brain crosstalk. I hypothesize we could measure "gut" biosignals to help individuals regulate emotions and enhance decision-making. However, this work has not been explored in human-computer interaction (HCI). In this thesis I motivate, define and design gut-brain computer interfacing (GBCI). I define GBCIs to be interfaces that measure gut-brain activity and establish communication between the gut-brain and an external device. This thesis investigates GBCI as a closed-loop biofeedback interface for enhancing higher order cognitive functions. In specific, a GBCI for emotion regulation.
 
I've chosen to define and investigate GBCIs based on the Somatic Marker Hypothesis, neuroanatomical links between the enteric nervous system (ENS) and emotional processing regions of the brain, and the lack of research in gut-brain physiological computing. I designed and implemented Serosa, a non-invasive wearable interface that records gastric slow waves through electrogastrography (EGG) and provides haptic, visual or auditory biofeedback. Through three versions of Serosa, I investigated the core components of a GBCI: signal acquisition, signal processing, and feedback and output. My studies with Serosa demonstrate how EGG correlates with emotional stimuli and the usability of an EGG-based GBCI in a real-time physiological regulation intervention. Based on these results, I provide guidelines for how to implement an EGG-based GBCI. I also describe potential applications and future directions to expand upon the work. The gut-brain is not well studied compared to the brain.
 
In addition to creating a new area for HCI, we may also contribute new data and understandings of the relationship between higher order cognitive functions and the ENS. Ultimately, I envision GBCI showing how we can enhance cognition starting within the body versus starting within the brain.
 
Description
Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2019
 
Cataloged from PDF of thesis. "Missing pages 39-40"--Disclaimer page.
 
Includes bibliographical references (pages 78-81).
 
Date issued
2019
URI
https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/128596
Department
Program in Media Arts and Sciences (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Program in Media Arts and Sciences

Collections
  • Graduate Theses

Browse

All of DSpaceCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

My Account

Login

Statistics

OA StatisticsStatistics by CountryStatistics by Department
MIT Libraries
PrivacyPermissionsAccessibilityContact us
MIT
Content created by the MIT Libraries, CC BY-NC unless otherwise noted. Notify us about copyright concerns.