RESEARCH

Applying psychological research and systems science to explore human development and planetary flourishing in the age of AI

Recent Research Contributions

  • ELON UNIVERSITY + INSTITUTE FOR THE FUTURE

    Being Human in 2035

    Dr. Klisanin’s contribution applies the EGM-Integral framework to propose how AI can be designed to enhance empathy, support human development and reconnection with the more-than-human world.

    The overall report explores how emerging technologies may reshape human consciousness, adaptability, and social systems by 2035.
    → Read the essay (pp. 118-120)

    READ

  • STANFORD EXISTENTIAL RISKS INITIATIVE

    Existential Risk: From Resilience to Antifragility

    Dr. Klisanin’s research examines the psychological risks of cascading global crises—including climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical instability—revealing that one-third of the global population may be vulnerable to mental health impacts. It introduces the antifragile mindset as a framework to help individuals and societies adapt and thrive amid deepening uncertainty.

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  • ROUTLEDGE HANDBOOK FOR CREATIVE FUTURES

    Psychological Futures: The Antifragile Mindset and Imperative of Interdependence.

    Dr. Klisanin’s research explores the antifragile mindset—a capacity to grow stronger when confronted with hardships. Integrating systems thinking, post-traumatic growth, and ecological psychology, it explores how creativity, narrative flexibility, and a renewed sense of interdependence can support psychological strength in the face of accelerating global uncertainty.

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Overview

At Evolutionary Guidance Media R&D, we integrate systems thinking, psychology, and immersive storytelling to pioneer ethical media and technological development. Our approach applies psychological insights that promote healthy human growth and ecological sustainability, ensuring technology advances in harmony with both people and the planet.

For over two decades, we’ve pioneered models like the EGM-Integral Framework helping creators, educators, storytellers, futurists, communication specialists, and others craft interventions that are not only imaginative, but socially transformative. Our research is transdisciplinary, applied, and always future-facing — grounded in human and ecological values and committed to equity, agency, and wellbeing.

Core Research Framework

The EGM-Integral Framework
Our signature methodology blends insights from integral theory, systems design, psychology, and media studies providing a multidimensional map for understanding and designing media with social impact in mind.

  • Key Areas of Inquiry:

    • Psychological alignment and AI-era ethical design

    • Digital behavior, cyber-kindness, and ethical media design

    • Anticipatory thinking and futures literacy

    • Human–nature relationships and mental health

Pioneering Research

  • Digital Altruism

    How can digital platforms be designed to cultivate human values such as altruism, empathy, and ethical behavior online? Dr. Klisanin’s research in digital altruism is the backbone of many tech-for-good initiatives.

    Read the original research

  • CYBER-KINDNESS

    Dr. Klisanin partnered with Lee Rowland of Oxford University and Kindness.org applying her research in altruism to the study of kindness.

    Read the original research

  • Collaborative Heroism | Cyberhero Archetype

    Dr. Klisanin’s research investigates the influence of digital tools on heroism, revealing the emergence of new forms of heroism both at the individual and collective level.

    Learn more

RESEARCH AFFILATIONS & Contributions

Co-founder and principal investigator, Dr. Dana Klisanin, contributes to the global futures and psychological discourse through interdisciplinary collaborations and thought leadership. Recent contributions include:

  • STANFORD EXISTENTIAL RISK INITIATIVE: Research exploring the implication of cascading global challenges on mental health and long term human survival.

  • AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION: Award-recognized research in media psychology.

  • UNESCO Greening Education Partnership — Supporting program goals through Mission: G.A.I.A., a youth-oriented edtech platform.

  • ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL FUTURISTS – Published foresight contributor on human rewilding and regenerative futures.

Current Research Trajectories

We are actively exploring:

  • The intersection of AI, ethics, and narrative cognition

  • Media-based psychological interventions for youth and educators

  • Rewilding futures methodologies applied to mental health and policy

Interested in partnering? Contact Us.