Role of Socially Assistive Robots in Reducing Anxiety and Preserving Autonomy in Children

Abstract

Anxiety in children is gradually becoming a problem that needs to be addressed urgently. Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) have shown great potential in anxiety treatment among adults and elders. However, the application on childhood anxiety has scarcely been tested. Autonomy is also an influential factor of psychological therapy sessions in children. This study, using state anxiety as a kick-off point, aims to investigate the effectiveness of SARs and the role of autonomy in reducing children's anxiety by using Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). Participants were 69 Chinese children aged from 10 to 12. We found that SARs significantly reduced state anxiety levels in all conditions. But no difference between each level of intervention and autonomy was found. Further research on various perspectives is suggested.