Research Platform

Open science for emotional technology research

SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATIONS

Scientific Foundations

The established research that TEG-Blue builds on — 139+ theories across neuroscience, psychology, and related fields.

Core Foundations

The essential science TEG-Blue builds on, drawn from multiple disciplines:

  • Nervous system statesSafety and threat shift what we can feel, think, and do (Polyvagal Theory, Porges)
  • Emotion as informationEmotions carry structured data about needs, boundaries, and danger (Affective Neuroscience, Panksepp; Appraisal Theory, Lazarus)
  • RegulationThe capacity to shift between states is more predictive than any single state (self-regulation research, Gross)
  • AttachmentEarly relational patterns shape how we seek safety across the lifespan (Bowlby, Ainsworth, Main)
  • Identity under threatThe self adapts, masks, and fragments under chronic stress (Winnicott, IFS, ego development)
  • Learning and developmentEmotional patterns are learned, reinforced, and can be changed (developmental psychology, neuroplasticity)
  • Culture and feedback loopsIndividual patterns scale into families, institutions, and social structures (Bronfenbrenner, systems theory)
  • RepairThe path back to connection is measurable and specific, not abstract (repair research, complexity markers)

How TEG-Blue Builds on Existing Models

TEG-Blue does not replace these models. It works like a translation layer that helps them speak to each other inside one shared map. Each card shows what the model contributes and what TEG-Blue translates or adds.

EVIDENCE MAP

139+ Established Theories

TEG-Blue integrates 139+ established theories organized into 12 research domain indexes. Each index groups the key theories, authors, and source traditions within that domain. This section exists for inspection — to show what the grounding is, how it was selected, and how to audit it.

How we selected these: Large language models with deep research capabilities were used to systematically identify theories that align with each framework. Each domain index groups the key traditions and authors — the detailed mapping of individual theories to specific frameworks is ongoing work. This is a working hypothesis, not a finished bibliography. We invite corrections.

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How We Validate

How the mapping was built

The architecture was developed first — through independent research, observation, and cross-disciplinary reading. Once the structure was established, AI research tools (Claude, Perplexity, Microsoft Copilot) were used to systematically identify which established theories align with each framework. Full methodology →

The 12 research domain indexes

The 139+ source theories are organized into 12 research domain groupings. Each is a JSON index file that can be audited, corrected, or extended:

Affective NeuroscienceAnalytical PsychologyAttachmentDevelopmental PsychologyEmotion ScienceHumanistic PsychologyMotivational ScienceObject RelationsPolyvagal TheorySelf PsychologyPsychoanalysisTrauma Research

What’s testable now vs. later

Testable now

  • Four-mode detection in natural language
  • Complexity markers as regulatory capacity signals
  • Escalation / de-escalation patterns

Needs further work

  • Psychometric validation of emotional tools
  • Cross-cultural replication
  • Longitudinal studies

Plan for review

We are preparing for pre-registration of the core testable claims, with open data and open methodology. We explicitly invite independent replication, correction, and critique. Collaborate with us →