Robots May Offer Support in Assessing Children's Mental Health

Key Points:

• A recent study explored the potential of robots in evaluating children's mental well-being.
• Findings showed that children were more likely to disclose mental health concerns to robots than through questionnaires.
• Researchers suggest a combination of technology and human-centered approaches for optimal patient care.

Addressing mental health issues, especially among children and adolescents, requires sensitivity and understanding. Traditional methods, such as questionnaires or adult-led interviews, may create barriers to open communication. Recognizing this challenge, researchers are investigating the potential of robots in facilitating mental health assessments in children.

A study from the University of Cambridge aimed to explore the effectiveness of robots in determining children's well-being. The research involved 28 children between the ages of eight and 13, along with their parents or guardians. Participants completed a well-being questionnaire, followed by a 45-minute interaction with a two-feet-tall humanoid robot.

During the interaction, the robot asked open-ended questions about happy and sad memories, administered standardized mental health assessment scales, and had children respond to prompts based on pictures. Researchers observed the interactions from a separate room.

The results revealed a significant finding. Children with previously identified mental well-being concerns were more likely to disclose the extent of their issues to the robot than they had in the initial questionnaire. Additionally, the robots detected more negative emotions among these children than the questionnaires indicated. Conversely, children without known mental health concerns presented an even more positive outlook to the robots.

Experts suggest several reasons why children might be more inclined to open up to robots. Dr. Katherine Grill, a behavioral scientist and CEO of Neolth, explains that secure attachments to caregivers are crucial for children's well-being. However, children lacking such secure attachments often find comfort in imaginary friends, pets, or toys. Therefore, robots may serve as viable companions for children to express their feelings and seek solace.

While mental health professionals play a vital role in providing support and guidance, children who have recently met them may hesitate to confide in them due to the perceived stranger-like relationship. In contrast, a non-judgmental and non-human robot might offer a safer space for children to share their thoughts and emotions.

Despite the promising findings, researchers emphasize the importance of balancing technology and human interaction in mental health care. Dr. Aaron Haddock, an associate professor of psychology, stresses the role of technology-enabled mental health services that enhance care without replacing human interaction. Furthermore, Dr. Micol Spitale, the study's co-author, advocates for the supplementary use of robots in mental health assessments, rather than replacing human-centered approaches.

In addition to facilitating assessments, robots may also contribute to reducing the strain on mental health professionals. A substantial proportion of mental health professionals experience burnout due to the demanding nature of their work. By assisting in assessments, robots could lighten the workload and potentially mitigate job-related stress.

While the study demonstrates the potential benefits of robots in assessing children's mental health, further research is needed to explore the long-term implications and the optimal integration of technology and human-centered approaches for comprehensive care.