SODOG™ is grounded in established psychological science, developmental theory, and evidence-based practices in social-emotional learning (SEL), therapeutic gaming, and symbolic play. While the product is innovative, its conceptual design aligns with decades of validated approaches used in education, pediatric psychology, and digital wellness tools.

1. Emotional Pet as Therapeutic Companion
Functionality: SODOG™ uses an emotionally intelligent puppy to facilitate non-judgmental companionship, help regulate emotions, and increase empathy.
Scientific Basis:
- Tsai & Kaufman (2014): Children who interacted with virtual pet dogs for three weeks showed statistically significant increases in prosocial behavior and empathy compared to control groups.
- Dr. Gail Melson (Purdue University): In multiple studies, virtual pets helped children explore emotions and practice emotional disclosure without fear of judgment.
- CASEL (2023): AI-based tools, when designed responsibly, can play a valid role in SEL delivery, especially for children who struggle with human-to-human disclosure.

2. Gamified Emotional Missions & Symbolic Metaphors
Functionality: SODOG™ uses short, gamified “emotional quests” where feelings become dragons — symbolic challenges to understand, tame, or express.
Scientific Basis:
- Piaget’s Theory of Symbolic Play: Ages 6–11 is the prime developmental stage for learning through metaphor and roleplay. Emotional metaphor (e.g. dragons = big feelings) enables children to externalize inner states and approach them creatively and safely.
- Dr. Judith Rubin (Art Therapy Pioneer): Symbolic play and non-verbal metaphors (like mythical creatures) help children process difficult emotions without verbal pressure.
- Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model (NMT): Repetitive, play-based symbolic interactions help regulate the lower brain and build self-regulatory capacity in children exposed to emotional stress.

3. Conversational AI with Guardrails
Functionality: SODOG™ includes child-safe dialogues designed around scripted prompts and emotional coaching, not open-ended conversations.
Scientific Basis:
- Stanford SEL Research Lab (2023): Structured emotional chatbots can improve emotional awareness and vocabulary among children aged 7–11.
- American Psychological Association (APA, 2023): When designed with clear intent and limited scope, digital agents can supplement SEL instruction effectively and safely.

4. Short Screen Sessions = Healthy Habits
Functionality: SODOG™ offers 5–10 minute guided sessions to avoid overexposure and support intentional screen time.
Scientific Basis:
- AAP Guidelines (2024): For children aged 6–12, up to 1 hour/day of “purposeful, emotionally constructive” screen use is developmentally appropriate.
- UNICEF Digital Wellness Study (2022): Tools that use short session “nudges” and purpose-driven interaction help prevent digital overuse while improving emotional outcomes.

5. Parent–Child Emotional Insight Loop
Functionality: SODOG™'s Parent Dashboard offers behavior-based insights into the child’s interaction style and mood trends.
Scientific Basis:
- Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (2023): Emotional behavior logs and shared language between parents and children help foster empathy, resilience, and connection.
- Common Sense Media Study (2022): Parents using emotionally aware apps gained increased insight into children’s mood patterns and engagement habits — when used in moderation and paired with follow-up discussions.

Select Expert Endorsements Under Review
The following individuals have been approached or are currently reviewing the SODOG™ concept for potential collaboration:
- Dr. Helen Tager-Flusberg, Boston University – Leading expert in developmental neuroscience and autism; reviewing SODOG’s AI-guided emotional prompts.
- Dr. Daniel Goleman, Author of Emotional Intelligence – Known for supporting SEL-based AI tools in early childhood development.

Key References and Citations
1. Tsai, C., & Kaufman, D. (2014). Virtual pets and empathy in children: A longitudinal study. Child Dev Research Journal.
2. CASEL (2023). Position Paper on AI and SEL Integration in Education.
3. Perry, B. (2021). What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing.
4. Stanford SEL Lab (2023). AI Coaches in Early Childhood Emotional Learning.
5. UNICEF Digital Wellness Initiative (2022). Tech for Good: Measuring Purposeful Screen Use.
6. AAP Guidelines (2024). Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents.
7. Melson, G. (2012). Why the Wild Things Are: Animals in the Lives of Children.

SODOG™
Email: support@sodog.app
Website: www.sodog.app