To construct a theoretical framework for a new concept of “Mutual Expectations” that significantly influences the quality of care in areas such as caregiving and childcare/parenting. It seeks to clarify how mismatches between people’s expectations can affect their relationships. Furthermore, a reflection support program will be developed and implemented to help participants articulate their expectations and deepen their understanding of others’ expectations. This program will be applied with both professional and family caregivers, contributing to both the establishment of sustainable care systems and to the realization of a society grounded in care.
In care settings, mismatches in the expectations held by those involved, such as “I want them to do this” or “This should make them happy”, can affect both relationships and the quality of care. This research focuses on Mutual Expectations to build theories and methodologies for improving the quality of care. To visualize care and its value, we develop tools that allow caregivers to easily record videos of care practices in situ, and use VR technologies to reflect on care practices and thereby articulate the implicit expectations of those involved. Expectations will be visualized across five categories: actions, language, emotions, acknowledgement, and roles, to clarify how expectation gaps arise. In the social implementation phase, a reflection support program applying visualization techniques will be developed, implemented, and evaluated with professional and family caregivers in childcare and caregiving settings. This will help both care providers and care recipients understand each other’s perspectives and adjust their expectations accordingly. Ultimately, this project aims to contribute to a society in which people develop deep mutual understanding and the value of care is properly recognized, allowing high-quality care to become the norm.
Momoko Nakatani, Yuki Taoka, Institute of Science Tokyo
Naomi Yamashita, Kyoto University
Sozo Inoue, Kyushu Institute of Technology
Shigeru Owada, Sony Computer Science Laboratories
