ERIC Number: EJ1468758
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Mar
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-2322
EISSN: EISSN-1468-3148
Available Date: 2025-04-22
Improving Quality of Life of Families Headed by Parents with Intellectual Disabilities and Their Children by Means of Assistive Social Robotics
Suze van Wijngaarden1,2; Marja W. Hodes3; Leo Cardinaal1; Mark Koning1; Alice Schippers1
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, v38 n2 e70054 2025
Background: Families of parents with intellectual disabilities still face discrimination, stigma and inadequate support, placing them in vulnerable positions. Social assistive robotics offers promising support. This study investigates the possible impact of social assistive robotics on family quality of life (FQoL). Method: An inclusive, iterative and qualitative research design was used, involving a co-researcher with an intellectual disability. Four families, headed by parents with an intellectual disability and children under 12, interacted with a robot at home. Prior to and after the interaction, visually supported semi-structured interviews on FQoL were conducted. Results: The robot had a positive impact on FQoL, particularly in family relationships, work and leisure, as the robot was integrated in the families' daily routines. Other domains were impacted less. Conclusions: Social assistive robotics has the potential to enhance FQoL and support vulnerable families, complementing existing systems. Further research and development are needed.
Descriptors: Parents with Disabilities, Intellectual Disability, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Social Bias, Robotics, Children, Program Effectiveness, Quality of Life, Family Relationship, Family Environment
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Disability Studies in Nederland, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, the Netherlands; 2ASVZ, Service and Care Organization, Sliedrecht, the Netherlands; 3Department of Family Support, ASVZ, Service and Care Organization, Sliedrecht, the Netherlands