Research has shown that doll therapy can be effective in reducing challenging and aggressive behaviors in individuals with dementia and autism spectrum disorder. Studies have reported a significant decrease in behaviors such as aggression, agitation, and restlessness in individuals who participated in doll therapy.
Recent systematic reviews and clinical trials have highlighted several behavioral and emotional improvements:
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.
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.