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In this work, we discuss a theoretically motivated family-centered design approach for child-robot interactions, adapted by Family Systems Theory (FST) and Family Ecological Model (FEM). Long-term engagement and acceptance of robots in the home is influenced by factors that surround the child and the family, such as child-sibling-parent relationships and family routines, rituals, and values. A family-centered approach to interaction design is essential when developing in-home technology for children, especially for social agents like robots with which they can form connections and relationships. We review related literature in family theories and connect it with child-robot interaction and child-computer interaction research. We present two case studies that exemplify how family theories, FST and FEM, can inform the integration of robots into homes, particularly research into child-robot and family-robot interaction. Finally, we pose five overarching recommendations for a family-centered design approach in child-robot interactions.

This study examined empirical research on shyness, inhibition, and social withdrawal published in "Child Development,""Developmental Psychology," and "Development and Psychopathology" between 1990 and 1996, focusing on: (1) conceptual definitions; (2) operational definitions; (3) agreement between conceptual and operational definitions within studies; and (4) agreement across studies. The sample was comprised of 32 articles whose titles included shy(ness), inhibit(ion), or withdraw(al); they were located through a CD-ROM PsycLIT search. Conceptual definitions and individual components of the operational definitions were categorized. Results indicated that withdrawal was not well-defined operationally or conceptually; only four studies (33 percent) included conceptual definitions and there was little inter-study agreement. Forty-two percent of the operational definitions included items not fitting the conceptual definition. Inhibition was more consistently defined conceptually and operationally. Seventy-five percent of the inhibition studies specified conceptual definitions, and there was considerable inter-study agreement. Fifty-six percent included a temperamental component. No study included measures inconsistent with the conceptual definition. Only two studies used the term shyness and neither specified a conceptual definition. Overall, withdrawal was a nebulous construct and often seemed to serve as a "catch-all" category for various types of internalizing problems. The inhibition construct was relatively clear and distinct. The lack of clarity regarding withdrawal implies that its literature should not be taken at face value. (The 33 studies reviewed are listed. An appendix outlines the operational definition components. Two figures graphically display findings. Contains nine references.) (KDFB)

Related Swedish mothers' ratings of their children's shyness with the children's later timing of marriage and parenthood and career success. Shy boys married and became fathers later than non-shy boys, but their careers were not affected by shyness. Shy girls married and became mothers at the same time as non-shy girls. Compared results with results from an American study. (BC)

Examined Swedish children's inhibition behavior using mothers' and psychologists' ratings of inhibition at age 18 and 24 months to predict later ratings through age 16 years. Prediction was more reliable for children rated as very inhibited or very uninhibited than for those in nonextreme group through age six. Only for inhibited girls did early inhibition predict inhibition into adolescence. (MDM)