Interaction With the Paro Robot May Reduce Psychophysiological Stress Responses

Abstract

High levels of stress are detrimental for optimal function. Increasingly, it has been investigated whether robots can help with stress reduction. Previous studies using the Paro robot have shown that it can improve mood, reduce stress, and encourage social interaction between robot and human, and human and human. The objective of the proposed study is to investigate the circumstances under which interacting with the robot can contribute to a reduction in negative affect and stress; and to establish the features of robot responsible for any such effects. The focus is on investigating the effects of interaction between humans and the Paro robot on psychophysiological stress responses.