Calm The waves (CTW) is a novel Biofeedback training, developed with an aim to improve emotional regulation in different contexts (see obimon.com/ctw for details). Obimon EDA is a wearable device that can be easily attached to the skin using electrodes and was validated in different applications (Kasos et al., 2019; Kasos et al., 2020).

We use the training and the device to understand individual differences in psycho-physiological functioning, and in applied research: pain management, sleep problems and addictions (see detailed topics below).

We recruit student researchers for these topics in September. If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact us at ELTEadaptationlab@gmail.com

Understanding emotions and the ability of effortful regulation of emotions is an essential skill both personally and related to business. It is a part of the emotional intelligence skill set to recognize, interpret, and respond adequately to emotions of oneself and others. These skills are acquired from early childhood through social learning: feedback from our own vegetative responses and those around us form the way we respond to stressors. Those who are more likely to stay calm under pressure, resolve conflict effectively, and respond to co-workers with empathy (see more on emotional intelligence from Daniel Goleman).

CTW stands for Calm The Waves. You can utilize your own emotion regulation skills to calm down the waves on the screen, reflect your own level of activation, or arousal. The Obimon Electrodermal Activity device shows feedback in real-time about these changes, and offer various challenges to probe your skills.

Engaging in these exercises will help you realize what works best for your own emotional management. Your brain unconsciously learns, and this knowledge is automatically enabled when emotion regulation is needed. Points and your well-built scenery in your portfolio reflect the emotional capacity you've gained through the process.

Several research topics are pursued in the lab, with students and colleagues:

• Electrodermal fingerprints
  In this research we seek psycho-physiological patterns of different psychological traits.
  Lead scientist: Anna-Veres-Székely

• Psychophysiological markers of the Reward Deficiency Syndrome model in addictions
  This project aims to cut across traditional boundaries of addiction research by merging data from multiple levels of observation. Self-reported RDS trait characteristics are linked to Physiological measures to identify biomarkers in the background of addictive tendencies.
  Lead scientist: Eszter Kotyuk

• Biofeedback and gamification for acute pain management
  The experience of pain can be modulated at different levels. Our investigations aim to reveal the role of effortful emotion regulation and biofeedback in modulating pain tolerance.
  Lead scientist: Andrei Morales

• Electrodermal Patterns and Sleep
  In this research we seek empirical evidence on how restricted sleep and dream disturbances impact psycho-physiological reactivity
  Lead scientist: Dorka Aschenbrenner

• The meaning of electrodermal activity asymmetries
  Bilateral asymmetry of electrodermal activity in different competitive settings were associated with stress-levels and explanatory styles related to performance. Our results (Szekely et al., 2024) support the Multiple Arousal Theory. We conclude that bilateral electrodermal asymmetry is a useful and reliable psycho-physiological marker of emotional arousal.
  Lead scientist: Szabolcs Szekely & Eszter Kotyuk

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