Voinea, C., & Wangmo, T. (2025).
Humanities and Social Sciences
Communications, 12(1).
Abstract
As socially assistive robots (SARs) become increasingly integrated into aged care, it becomes essential to ask: how do these technologies affect caregiving work? Do SARs foster or diminish the conditions conducive to meaningful work? And why does it matter if SARs make caregiving more or less meaningful? This paper addresses these questions by examining the relationship between SARs and the meaningfulness of care work. It argues that SARs should be designed to foster meaningful care work. This presupposes, as we will argue, empowering caregivers to enhance their skills and moral virtues, helping them preserve a sense of purpose, and supporting the integration of caregiving with other aspects of caregivers’ personal lives. If caregivers see their work as meaningful, this positively affects not only their well-being but also the well-being of care recipients. We begin by outlining the conditions under which work becomes meaningful, and then we apply this framework to caregiving. We next evaluate how SARs influence these conditions, identifying both opportunities and risks. The discussion concludes with design recommendations to ensure SARs foster meaningful caregiving practices.
Here are some thoughts:
This article highlights the psychological impact of caregiving and how the integration of socially assistive robots (SARs) can influence the meaningfulness of this work. By examining how caregiving contributes to caregivers' sense of purpose, skill development, moral virtues, and work-life balance, the article provides insights into the factors that enhance or diminish psychological well-being in caregiving roles.
Psychologists can use this knowledge to advocate for the ethical design and implementation of SARs that support, rather than undermine, the emotional and psychological needs of caregivers. Furthermore, the article underscores the importance of meaningful work in promoting mental health, offering a framework for understanding how technological advancements in aged care can either foster or hinder personal fulfillment and job satisfaction. This is particularly relevant in an aging global population, where caregiving demands are rising, and psychological support for caregivers is essential.
