Paula Pires de Oliveira Padilha
Papers
2
Total Citations
79
H-Index
2
About
Paula Pires de Oliveira Padilha is a leading researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and mental health care. Her work centers on evaluating how social robots can serve as innovative therapeutic tools, particularly for populations facing barriers to traditional treatment. In her landmark scoping review—cited over 77 times—Padilha systematically mapped the outcomes, barriers, and facilitators of social robot interventions in mental health settings. This foundational work not only synthesized evidence from diverse studies but also identified critical gaps, such as the need for more robust clinical trials and ethical guidelines. By highlighting both the promise and the practical challenges—from user acceptance to technical limitations—her research has become a key reference for clinicians, engineers, and policymakers exploring non-pharmacological, technology-driven approaches to care. Padilha’s contributions are especially timely given the global shortage of mental health professionals and the growing interest in scalable, engaging interventions. Her rigorous methodology and clear-eyed analysis have positioned her as a vital voice in shaping how robots might be responsibly integrated into therapeutic contexts, making her work essential reading for anyone interested in the future of digital mental health.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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