Sensory-Based Spatial Design for the Psychological Healing of Adolescents

Adolescence is a period marked by emotional sensitivity and heightened responsiveness to sensory stimuli. Therefore, the integration of therapeutic sensory elements into physical spaces can contribute positively to adolescents' emotional stability and psychological healing. This study explores healing space design for adolescents based on Sensory Integration Theory. The theory posits that the neurological organization of sensory input from the environment can support emotional regulation and therapeutic outcomes. The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between adolescents’ emotional states and sensory stimuli, and to propose spatial design strategies that promote psychological healing. A survey was conducted with 152 middle and high school students (75 boys, 77 girls) to examine their emotional states (stress, depression, and anxiety) and sensory responses (visual-color, visual-lighting, auditory, and olfactory). The results showed that levels of stress (M=3.19, SD=0.89) and anxiety (M=3.27, SD=0.99) among adolescents were above average level, and responses to visual-lighting (M=3.90, SD=0.78) and olfactory stimuli (M=3.92, SD=0.78) were relatively high. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between stress and auditory/olfactory stimuli, as well as between anxiety and olfactory stimuli. Regression analysis indicated that olfactory elements in space significantly influenced both stress (β=.229, p<.01, R²=.05) and anxiety (β=.220, p<.01, R²=.05). These findings suggest that non-visual sensory stimuli, particularly olfactory and auditory, play a critical role in adolescents’ emotional states. Consequently, future healing space designs for adolescents should move beyond visual-dominant approaches and adopt multisensory environments that integrate auditory and olfactory considerations. Based on the results, this study proposed a scenario for a sensory-based healing space and aims to present concrete design guidelines through further research.