This research will assess the effect of companion robotic pets on the wellbeing of older adults and their family caregivers.
Social robot pets have been shown to have a positive impact on age-related physical, cognitive, emotional, and social challenges that affect independence and quality of life. These "pets" are designed to interact with people as a real pet might. They purr when stroked, make eye contact, have a heartbeat, turn toward a person when touched, are warm, and appear lifelike. Does introduction of such a pet reduce loneliness or promote engagement in older adults with cognitive or physical disability? This research will determine if: 1. Older adults with disabilities engage with such robotic companions; 2. Placing a robotic pet in a home enhances mood and positive affect in older people; 3. Caregivers to these adults find the robots beneficial for their own mood and time use. In a single-blind randomized controlled trial over 6-8 weeks, we hypothesize that older adults in the intervention arm will engage with the pets and show benefit in mood as reported by family caregivers.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
53
The robot pets are stuffed animals (dogs and cats) that have features that make them seem lifelike. For example, the animal toys turn their heads when petted, purr or make puppy sounds, feel warm, have a heartbeat, and go to sleep when they are ignored. They respond to attention and petting like a real pet. The robot pets do not collect information and do not require any maintenance, except a battery. Engagement with the device is at the discretion of participants.
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Change in Positive Affect Scale from Baseline to 6-8 weeks
PROMIS Positive Affect Short Form 15a Scale: The PROMIS measures are normed for population probability samples, with raw scores transformed into T scores (mean 50, SD=10). The scale measures positive emotion (e.g., enjoyment, engagement, serenity).
Time frame: Baseline and Follow-up, 6-8 weeks later
Change in Negative Affect from Baseline to 6-8 weeks
PROMIS Emotional Distress and Anger Short Form Scale: The PROMIS measures are normed for population probability samples, with raw scores transformed into T scores (mean = 50, SD=10). The scale measures emotional distress (e.g., irritability, anger).
Time frame: Baseline and Follow-up, 6-8 weeks later
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