Date of Award

4-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Beth Strait, CTRS, CDP

Second Advisor

Dr. Maureen Mickus

Third Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

Animal assisted therapy has become a common holistic option to negate decreasing functional outcomes within the dementia population, though these pets often are high maintenance; therefore, robotic pets may be a viable solution. To use robotic pets in practice with individuals with dementia, we need to know the mechanisms behind human-robot interaction and common behaviors shown during this interaction. Therefore, the focus of this doctoral capstone experience was to conduct an observational study of behaviors dementia patients display when interacting with robotic pets. Objectives met during this doctoral capstone experience included recording participants behaviors in the presence of a robotic pet, analyzing data, editing a manuscript for a scholarly journal, and creating a robotic pet use manual for the capstone site. The study found most frequent behaviors shown were gazing, smiling, and touching the pet. Additionally, the pet was observed to decrease apathy and boredom and therefore support active engagement, emotional connection, and communication. Overall, this DCE provided an important foundation for robotic pet use within a therapeutic context, provided information to create specific activity manuals to foster these behaviors and provide positive outcomes, and overall gave a better understanding of how this technology is being used by dementia patients.

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Available for download on Thursday, June 11, 2026

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