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Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Digital technology, emotions, and social relationships in dementia care: A narrative review
Marcus Persson1, Ann-Charlotte Bivall1, Elin Thunman2
1Department of Education and Sociology, Institution of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
Abstract:
The aim of this review is to explore how the (dis)affordances of digital technologies-such as robots, game consoles, tablet computers, and virtual environments-shape the quality of the social relationships between care workers and residents in dementia care. Using a narrative review methodology, we analyzed 15 peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2023 through thematic analysis. The findings are organized around three contrasting emotional dimensions: comfort-discomfort, joy-anger, and safety-vulnerability. Comfort and discomfort were primarily linked to everyday conversations, joy and anger to experiences of play and entertainment, and safety and vulnerability to how effectively care workers safeguarded residents' sense of security. These results demonstrate that emotional expressions are not only outcomes of interpersonal interaction but are also mediated by technological affordances. Supporting care workers in recognizing and responding to these emotional dynamics is therefore crucial for ensuring that digital technologies enhance residents' well-being and help sustain secure social bonds in dementia care.
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