P.S. Sterkenburg
Bartiméus, Child & Family Service, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Papers
4
Total Citations
44
H-Index
4
About
P.S. Sterkenburg is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and clinical psychology, specializing in therapeutic interventions for vulnerable populations. Her work focuses on developing and evaluating robot-mediated therapies for individuals with visual and intellectual disabilities, particularly those experiencing anxiety and emotional regulation challenges. Sterkenburg’s most significant contribution is demonstrating that social robots can effectively deliver coping skills training, as shown in her landmark 2020 study (19 citations) where robot-mediated therapy successfully reduced worrying in persons with dual sensory and cognitive impairments. She has also advanced the field by creating natural language interfaces for programming therapeutic robot scenarios (2019, 12 citations) and developing game-based interactions that promote self-disclosure in people with visual impairments and intellectual disabilities (2019, 8 citations). Her recent work (2024, 5 citations) addresses the critical challenge of selecting optimal wearable devices for measuring physiological arousal during robot-delivered mindfulness exercises, ensuring data quality in vulnerable populations. Sterkenburg’s research uniquely bridges assistive technology and mental health, making therapeutic robots accessible to those who need them most. Her innovative methodologies and focus on end-user programming empower occupational therapists and caregivers, positioning her as a leading voice in inclusive, technology-mediated mental health interventions.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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