The effectiveness and usability of companion robots in combating loneliness in the elderly in mental healthcare : a scoping literature review

Background. As a response, to the exponentially growing elderly population experiencing loneliness, there have been increasingly new developments in the realm of technology to help counteract the growing issue of loneliness in the elderly; this is achieved with the use of psychological intervention with the implementation of so-called companion robots. Objective. This scoping review aims to systematically show what is known about companion robots used to reduce loneliness in the elderly, focusing on the effectiveness and the acceptance and attitudes that influence the older adults’ use of such companion robots. Method. A literature search was performed in PsycINFO and Scopus using a combination of search terms regarding terms such as companion robots, loneliness, and the elderly. Both the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and a Quality Assessment designed by Ter Stal (2021) were performed. Conclusion. This review provided insights into the effectiveness of companion robots in reducing loneliness in the elderly as well as insights into the acceptance of such technologies. Further research is needed regarding interventions using companion robots on a larger scale as well as further research being needed in regards to the acceptance and use of this technology by the elderly.