The RealCare Baby infant simulator program has a global reach, touching young lives across 90 countries. At Realityworks, we continuously seek to understand the effectiveness of our program through customer feedback and rigorous research. A recent study, “The Doll Project,” conducted by Aarhus University in Denmark, provides compelling insights into why is the RealCare Baby program good and its impact on students. This two-year study in Greenland examined the program’s influence on family and sex education among students participating in a 2- to 3-day RealCare Baby experience. The program culminated in a reflection session, encouraging students to consider their choices related to family and health. Data was collected through comprehensive surveys of both students and their parents.
The Aarhus University study yielded 30 conclusions, and we’ve highlighted the top 5 findings that underscore why is the RealCare Baby program good:
1. Fostering Deeper Thought about Parenthood
A significant outcome of the RealCare Baby program, combined with family and sex education, is that it prompts students to think more seriously about having children. Participants began engaging in deeper reflection specifically on the realities of parenthood. This newfound contemplation is a key indicator of the program’s success in initiating responsible decision-making.
2. Heightened Awareness of the Immediate Impact of Parenthood
Following their experience with the infant simulator and related education, a majority of students expressed a stronger belief that having a baby “here and now” would negatively impact their lives. This awareness was significantly greater than their perception before participating in the program. This shift in perspective highlights the program’s effectiveness in making the challenges of immediate parenthood more tangible.
3. Promoting Awareness, Not Deterrence, Regarding Parenthood
Importantly, the RealCare Baby experience did not simply scare students away from the idea of parenthood altogether. In fact, after the program, fewer students felt that having a child now would be “absolutely devastating.” Instead, a larger number became acutely aware of the potential negative consequences, particularly concerning limitations on their personal life and educational opportunities. This suggests the program’s strength lies in fostering realistic awareness rather than outright deterrence.
4. Diversifying Student Perspectives on Family and Life Choices
The study revealed that students’ responses regarding family and sex education were significantly more diverse after participating in the RealCare Baby program. This increased diversity of opinion suggests that the program has a profound and varied impact on students’ attitudes and values, encouraging individual consideration of these important life aspects.
5. Increased Motivation for Contraception Use
A particularly impactful result of the RealCare Baby program and associated education is the significant increase in students’ motivation to use contraception. Notably, almost all students who previously engaged in unprotected sex indicated a change in their behavior, suggesting they would adopt contraception moving forward. This demonstrates the program’s success in intensifying students’ awareness and responsible practices related to contraception.
According to Karen Wistoft, the study author and Professor at the University of Greenland, “The short-term impact of the program, including the effectiveness of infant simulation is a change in the teenagers’ perceptions of pregnancy and parenting. In addition the evaluation shows an impact on teenage pregnancies according to geographical diversity and social contexts.”
To delve deeper into the study’s findings, you can access the complete research document here.
Study Author: Karen Wistoft, Professor (mso), Institut for Læring, Ilisimatusarfik/Grønlands Universitet, Department of Education, University of Greenland, +299 342541 [email protected]
