Effect of Companion Robotic Pets on Older Adult Well-Being
Overview
- Phase
- N/A
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Dementia
- Sponsor
- University of Pittsburgh
- Enrollment
- 53
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in Positive Affect Scale from Baseline to 6-8 weeks
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- last year
Overview
Brief Summary
This research will assess the effect of companion robotic pets on the wellbeing of older adults and their family caregivers.
Detailed Description
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.
Investigators
Steven M. Albert
Professor
University of Pittsburgh
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Participating in Family Caregiver Support Program or OPTIONS Program administered by Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging
- •Provide unpaid family or friend caregiver support for at least 6 months
- •Older person aged 50+
- •Able to provide verbal informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
- •Uncomfortable with robot pet companion in home
- •Family Caregiver \< 18 years age
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in Positive Affect Scale from Baseline to 6-8 weeks
Time Frame: Baseline and Follow-up, 6-8 weeks later
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).
Change in Negative Affect from Baseline to 6-8 weeks
Time Frame: Baseline and Follow-up, 6-8 weeks later
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).