The review yielded 15 studies that met the inclusion criteria, including 10 case studies, 3 quasi-experimental designs, and 2 randomized controlled trials. The studies were conducted with individuals with a range of needs, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dementia, intellectual disabilities, and emotional disturbances.
The exact mechanisms underlying doll therapy are not fully understood, but several theories have been proposed. These include: The review yielded 15 studies that met the
In clinical settings for dementia care, when doll therapy was introduced, offering a significant non-pharmacological alternative to traditional sedative treatments. These include: In clinical settings for dementia care,
Doll therapy typically involves providing individuals with a doll or stuffed animal that they can care for and nurture. The doll is often equipped with advanced technology that allows it to simulate emotions and needs, such as crying or requiring feeding. The goal of doll therapy is to provide individuals with a sense of purpose and responsibility, while also promoting emotional regulation and social skills. The goal of doll therapy is to provide
The review provides evidence that doll therapy can be an effective intervention for reducing challenging and aggressive behaviors in individuals with various needs. While there are limitations to consider, the findings suggest that doll therapy may be a valuable adjunct to traditional therapies. Further research is needed to establish the efficacy and long-term effects of doll therapy and to explore its mechanisms of change.