But what if they could share how they honestly feel without interacting directly with another human?
Then the children spent 45 minutes with a two-feet-tall humanoid robot.
The parent or guardian and research team members observed the interaction from a separate room.
Eric Audras / Getty Images
Children with mental well-being issues or concerns were likelier to divulge the extent of these problems to the robot.
Researchers also found they felt more negatively than stated in the initial questionnaire.
Children without secure attachments often find comfort in companions such as imaginary friends, pets, or even toys.
Mental health professionals are undoubtedly critical and can be incredibly beneficial to their patients lives.
After all, the relationship between client and provider is a key driver of positive treatment outcomes.
The studys co-author,Dr.
Micol Spitale,further emphasizedthat these interactions with robots should be supplemental to human-centered work.
A 2012 review found between 21% and 67% of mental health professionals experienced burnout.
2012;39(5):341-352. doi:10.1007/s10488-011-0352-1
