Designing for separation anxiety: Engaging connection and building trust

Kim, Eunji

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/114043 Copy

Description

Title

Designing for separation anxiety: Engaging connection and building trust

Author(s)

Kim, Eunji

Issue Date

2021-12-10

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Shin, Cliff

Department of Study

Art & Design

Discipline

Art and Design

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.F.A.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

Separation Anxiety, Children Development, SAD

Abstract

"""The bird fights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world, and whoever will be born must destroy the world."" - Demian, Hermann Hesse. As they grow old, babies develop attachment and bonding to their guardians, particularly their mothers. It is a natural human tendency to be excessively reliant on one's parents because they are incapable of surviving without their assistance. In being helped, and their instinctive needs are satisfied, the baby develops attachment and bonding to the guardian who helps them. While an infant develops a connection to a guardian, they may show anxiety and be extra clingy when separation occurs. Many parents and children suffer from these problems, as the parents cannot always be alongside the children. Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) could lead to perpetual psychological issues throughout the children's adulthood. Ultimately the goal of a child is to be self-sufficient and independent from their guardian. Along the way, the guardian must be aware of the children's needs and help them cope with the problem. Within this study, separation anxiety is covered following the infant's cognitive development and how it can be possibly treated. Also, while referencing the traditionally applied or accepted treatment methods, I explored the tangible and intangible design options that could connect children to their parents to soothe their anxiety and help them form a secure attachment to their guardians, and eventually help them be independent."

Graduation Semester

2021-12

Type of Resource

Thesis

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/114043

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2021 Eunji Kim

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