Exploring Robotic Support for Emotional Regulation in Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Insights from a Case Study

This study explores the impact of a therapeutic intervention that combines traditional and technological tools in a 6-year-old child diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). The intervention was conducted over ten structured sessions, including play activities, emotional recognition techniques, and the use of an emotional robot as an innovative tool. To assess progress, projective tests such as the “Roberto and Rosita Test” and the “Person Under the Rain Test” were applied before and after the intervention. Results show significant improvements in emotional regulation, a reduction in challenging behaviors, and an enhanced ability to cope with stressful situations. Additionally, the emotional robot proved useful in motivating and engaging the child in the therapeutic process, providing a multidimensional approach that integrates behavioral, social, and emotional aspects. However, a limitation is the lack of psychometric instruments specifically designed for children with ODD, highlighting the need to develop complementary tools for future studies. This work provides evidence of the potential of robotics as a therapeutic tool in the intervention of childhood behavioral disorders.