Welcome
Wellstone Center for AI & Relational Intelligence is an independent research and innovation hub dedicated to advancing emotionally intelligent, human-aligned artificial intelligence.
Home to the Wellstone AI & Relational Intelligence Lab, the Center supports applied research at the intersection of attachment science, relational systems, UX technology, and ethical design. We develop innovative tools, frameworks, and technologies that bring psychological insight and complex systems thinking to product development and strategy.
Research Focus Areas
Attachment-Informed AI
Researching how attachment theory can inform emotionally attuned AI behavior, social modeling, and relationship-based system design. Focused on building AI that can understand, mirror, and support human relational patterns.
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Trauma-Informed Machine Learning
Investigating how psychological trauma impacts user-AI interaction and informing model behavior, training data practices, and safeguards to prevent emotional harm and misattunement.
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Ethics-Informed Product Strategy
Bridging research and deployment by advising on the responsible design and rollout of AI systems. Specializing in ethical foresight, social impact modeling, and alignment policy frameworks.
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Human-Centered UX & Product Design
Designing interfaces and interactions that account for emotional safety, trust, and social cognition. Focused on relational dynamics in AI products, especially in conversational agents and assistive tools.
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Strategic Alignment & Relational Governance
Studying how AI systems can be aligned not just with values but with human social-emotional needs. Offering models for governance and oversight that center relational and behavioral integrity.
Applied AI for Human Development & Support
Developing tools and use cases where AI assists with emotional regulation, insight, and decision-making—particularly in education, mental health, and interpersonal communication.
Founder Spotlight
Dr. Brittney Stanley is a researcher, practitioner, and behavioral systems strategist focused on advancing the ethical design of relationally intelligent, human-aligned technology.
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With a PhD in Attachment & Relational Systems and an Executive Master’s in Healthcare Leadership from Brown University, she brings an interdisciplinary lens to issues of UX design, system alignment, and trauma-informed
AI development.
Current Projects & Initiatives
At the Wellstone Lab, we are developing a suite of applied research studies, consumer products and tools, and industry guidance frameworks designed to create AI systems that are more emotionally intelligent, ethically aligned, and relationally aware. Our present initiatives reflect a deep integration of attachment theory, cognitive science, and innovative UX strategy. Learn more about our initiatives and output timelines below:
Resolve – Conflict
Assist Tool for Couples
We are formulating a prototype for an AI couples tool that guides relational dynamics in real-time to diffuse arguments and foster adaptive collaboration and understanding. Built from relational intelligence and conflict theory, Resolve offers partners emotionally attuned prompts, reflection exercises, and actionable strategies.
Emotionally-Aware UX Prototypes
We are building interface concepts that embed relational awareness into user interactions with AI systems. These prototypes surface emotional tone, attunement, and repair potential, serving as models for LLMs that are designed to engage users in meaningful, attuned, and responsive dialogue.
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Relational Alignment Frameworks (v1.0)
We are developing a set of research-backed heuristics designed to help AI systems respond to emotionally complex scenarios with psychological coherence. Drawing on attachment theory and trauma-informed design, this framework offers teams practical alignment tools for emotionally sensitive applications.
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Wellstone Center for
AI & Relational Intelligence
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16 Railroad Place #1086
Westport, CT 06880
860-909-0731
