SootheMind: Exploring Body-Site-Specific Vibrotactile and Thermatactile Stimuli for Music-guided Emotion Modulation

Musical emotion modulation is central to mental well-being, yet existing affective haptic systems often prioritize technical feasibility over investigation of where and what optimal stimuli should be applied. This paper systematically examines the emotional effects of vibrotactile, thermotactile, and combined stimuli based on the Valence–Arousal model across the wrist, neck, and ear under two music conditions, indexed by EEG measures and subjective ratings. We found that both body site and stimulus type significantly influenced emotional responses. The ear strongly enhanced arousal, the neck produced context-dependent effects, and the wrist primarily modulated pleasantness. Vibration primarily boosted arousal, thermal cues enhanced valence, and their combination enabled a more balanced, immersive experience. Our findings provide scientific guidance for future affective wearable design in various contexts.