We explore the industry of reborn dolls and how they can be used for mental health. We’ll also look into why people are so divisive over whether they are creepy or cute.

References:

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Cote, J. B. (2016, September 29). How ‘reborn dolls’ really can help us cope with miscarriage & infant loss. Retrieved March 29, 2020, from https://thestir.cafemom.com/pregnancy/200832/howreborndollsreallycan

Croxton, K. (2018, May 20). For those in need, therapy dolls provide a sense of control. The Times News.com. Retrieved from https://www.thetimesnews.com/entertainmentlife/20180520/for-those-in-need-therapy-dolls-provide-sense-of-control

Dunne, C. (2015, January 12). Meet the women who treat their “reborn” dolls like real children. Retrieved March 29, 2020, from https://www.fastcompany.com/3040525/meet-the-women-who-treat-their-reborn-dolls-like-real-children

Grabianowski, E. (n.d.). How the uncanny valley works. Retrieved March 29, 2020, from https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/unexplained-phenomena/uncanny-valley.htm#pt3

Hillin, T. (2016, August 3). Inside the world of grown women who play with eerily lifelike ‘reborn dolls’. Retrieved March 29, 2020, from https://splinternews.com/inside-the-world-of-grown-women-who-play-with-eerily-li-1793860842

Hitt, T. (2017, March 9). Across the uncanny valley: Boston’s reborn babies. The Harvard Crimson. Retrieved from https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2017/3/9/uncanny-valley-reborn-babies/

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The neurology of the uncanny valley. (2018, January 13). Cosmos. Retrieved from https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/the-neurology-of-the-uncanny-valley

Nield, D. (2019, July 7). Here’s what happens in your brain when you’re creeped out by certain robots. Retrieved March 29, 2020, from https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-may-have-found-which-spot-in-the-brain-triggers-the-uncanny-valley-effect

Saltz, G. (2008, October 1). Fake babies ease women’s anxiety, sadness. Retrieved March 29, 2020, from https://www.today.com/health/fake-babies-ease-womens-anxiety-sadness-wbna26974105

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Zander, M. (2016, June 28). Reborn pregnancies are a real thing, and they’re kind of heartbreaking. Retrieved March 29, 2020, from https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1123485/reborn-pregnancies/